Metropolitan Police Authority – assured that there is no knowledge of extraordinary rendition within MPS

34/06
14 June 2006

The Metropolitan Police Authority wrote to the Metropolitan Police Service in April 2006, asking them to investigate whether the MPS was involved in any way in 'extraordinary rendition'. This followed a question to the MPA from a member of the public.

In response to this request, Paul Stephenson, Deputy Commissioner, has written to confirm 'that there is no knowledge within the MPS of MPS involvement in such activities'.

Len Duvall, chair of the MPA, said:

“The Authority was extremely concerned about the possibility that the MPS was involved in the process of 'extraordinary rendition'.

"The MPA is working hard to secure public confidence and trust in the police, particularly among the Muslim community, in the fight against terror. It is essential that issues such as this are made public so that we can continue to build strong relationships with all our communities - not to be clear about this would only build resentment.

"We therefore requested the MPS look into this specific issue as soon as possible. We have received a letter from the Deputy Commissioner detailing two specific questions, which he asked to be investigated by Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations Andy Hayman. He is satisfied that there is no knowledge within the MPS of MPS involvement in such activities.

"We want to reassure Londoners that the MPS is not involved in 'extraordinary rendition'. We will continue to work together with our communities and the MPS in an open and transparent way to tackle the threat of terrorism."

Notes to editors

The full text of the letter can be found at www.mpa.gov.uk/news/rendition.htm

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office

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