Press launch of the scrutiny into the Met Police’s use of stop and search – for which I was the vice-chair.

There had been a fuss at the last minute because Sir John Stevens, the Met’s Commissioner, said he would only agree to accept the 50+ recommendations if we changed the first one. The first recommendation said the Met Police Commissioner was committed to removing racial bias where it was found. He wanted it changed to ‘if’ it was found. I had a big problem with this, as the findings of the whole report was unquestionably that there was racial bias in stop and search – and the change to ‘if’ would make it seem as if there was a possibility that this was not the case.

Anyway, when I got there, Cecile Right – who was the chair – told me what a terrible week she had had with powers that be trying to stop this and that. I gave her a hug – told her off for not calling me – and in we went.

She was great. I adore Cecile and am sorry she is leaving the MPA at the end of this term in a couple of weeks. The press conference went really well and the really good news is that a GOLD group (special action group with top status) is to be set up to steer the recommendations through. Cecile will be on this (and hopefully me too).

The full report if you’re interested is on the MPA website.