Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the behaviour of Metropolitan Police officers who were secretly filmed making racist and sexist comments as "shocking". The footage, gathered undercover for a BBC Panorama documentary, appears to show officers at a central London police station calling for immigrants to be shot and bragging about using violence against suspects.
Starmer said he had not yet seen the footage but had it described to him. "It's shocking, and I'm glad the commissioner is responding," he said. "He needs to be very robust in his response."
Commissioner's response
Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said he was "horrified" by the documentary and assured the public they can trust the "vast majority" of the force's officers. He told LBC that the force is "relentless in rooting out these characters" and acknowledged the footage would cause people to question their trust in the Metropolitan Police.
"You can trust the vast majority of great men and women who are out there to protect you and serve," Rowley said. He added that officers are "all equally passionate about our vocation, and we're all as horrified as you are as a member of the public by what we saw last night."
Investigation details
Nine serving officers, one former officer, and one designated detention officer who is a civilian member of staff are all under investigation for gross misconduct by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The allegations include excessive use of force, making discriminatory and misogynistic comments, and failing to report or challenge inappropriate behaviour.
One constable is facing a criminal investigation for allegedly perverting the course of justice. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the footage as "disturbing" and "sickening", expecting police chiefs to use their powers to sack anyone guilty of gross misconduct.
Specific incidents revealed
The footage shows Pc Phil Neilson referring to an immigrant who had overstayed his visa while off-duty, saying: "Either put a bullet through his head or deport him. And the ones that shag women, rape women, you do the cock and let them bleed out." While drinking at a pub off-duty, he also called Algerians and Somalians "scum" and referenced an invasion of the UK by migrants.
Another officer, Pc Martin Borg, bragged about a colleague stamping on a detainee's leg and laughed about the suspect screaming. He also appears to say he offered to fill in a false witness statement about the incident.
Sir Mark apologised for the officers' behaviour and pledged any wrongdoers will be sacked within weeks.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
