Statement by Len Duvall Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority following the Health and Safety trial verdict

53/07
01 November 2007

Len Duvall, Chair of the MPA, responding to the Health and Safety trial verdict said:

"We must remember an innocent man died during the course of a Met police operation - this is damning enough. Our thoughts continue to be with the Menezes family and friends, together with those of the other victims.

"The events of that day highlighted operational and communication processes which proved to be inadequate when Londoners lives were put under threat of terrorist attacks. We need to remember that there were a number of simultaneous police operations during that time that were successful but the Authority is determined to minimise the possibility of such a tragic event happening again.

"Over the past two and a half years the Authority has worked hard with the Met to carry out root and branch examinations of operational policing systems, internal and external communication procedures, as well as Operation Kratos, the national policing response to suicide terrorists.

"Now the trial has concluded the MPA itself will review the responses of the MPS to Stockwell 1, as yet unpublished, and issues relating to Stockwell 2, published on 2 August 2007.

"It makes no sense now the trial has finished that the Stockwell 1 report remains secret and the Authority has urged the IPCC to publish as soon as possible. Until this happens it is not possible to have a transparent and frank public debate about vital issues for policing and public safety, and the potential for misinformation and misunderstanding will continue. It is in both the public and the de Menezes family interest for the report to be in the open.

The police are not above the law but the MPA have always had reservations about whether bringing a case against the MPS for a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 was the most appropriate course to take. The Authority, along with the MPS, will need to look at the judgement very carefully.

"The case was brought against the Metropolitan Police Service, not against the Commissioner personally or any other officer. Matters relating to individuals are being dealt with by the MPA Professional Standards and Complaints committee, and hopefully will be resolved in the near future.

"The MPA fully supports the Commissioner and will continue to work with him, his management team and all MPS staff to achieve high quality policing so that everyone in London can gain and retain confidence in the Met.

"Policing in London is a tough business - it is the Authority's job is to deliver a fit for purpose, efficient and effective police service. We ask the police to do a difficult job on our behalf and sometimes they make mistakes. This case led to the tragic death of an innocent man. Our ultimate aim is to make sure we all learn from this tragedy."

Notes to Editors

1. Full background details relating to Stockwell can be found on the MPA website

2. Letter from MPA to Attorney General about Health and Safety prosecution of MPS can be found on the MPA website

3. The MPA with the MPS have carried out the following reviews in relation to Stockwell

1. Operation Kratos
   MPA/MPs review into MPS response to suicide terrorism
2. MPA 'Counter-Terrorism: The London Debate' (22 Feb 2007)
   The MPA sought the views on terrorism and counter-terrorism of a diverse selection of over 1000 people who live and work in London.
3. MPA scrutiny of MPS media and communications (5 April 2007)
   The Authority was concerned about the approach taken by the MPS to managing the press coverage of Forest Gate and conducted a short scrutiny of the Directorate of Public Affairs to consider what lessons can be learnt from that experience.
4. MPS review of internal communications systems (23 Feb 2006)
   This report outlines the progress made in relation to MPS procedures and resilience in a range of key areas that developed from the response to the unprecedented policing

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office 

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