Sadiq Khan ‘disgusted’ by police behaviour exposed in BBC investigation
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said he was left feeling disgusted and angry by the racist, anti-muslim, and misogynistic behaviour shown by Met Police officers in a recent BBC Panorama investigation.
Secret filming uncovered evidence of toxic behaviour in the police force, which was revealed in the Panorama programme broadcast on Wednesday 1 October.
The evidence uncovered by Panorama suggested that racist, misogynistic, and anti-Muslim culture still existed within the Met, along with an excessive use of force in certain cases.
“When I was informed of the appalling police behaviour that would be exposed by BBC Panorama, I knew it would be difficult to watch. But nothing can prepare you for seeing this kind of footage,” Khan said in a statement on Thursday 2 October.
“It was sickening to watch police officers – those who are tasked with keeping our communities safe – display such blatant racism, misogyny, anti-Muslim hatred and excessive use of force.”
“I know that I won’t be alone in feeling angry, disgusted and let down by the actions of these officers,” he said.
Khan said that he had met with the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner to ensure there is ‘zero tolerance’ of this kind of behaviour and to enact a transformation in the culture of the police force.
“I can assure Londoners that I will continue to hold the Met to account as it makes vital reforms,” he added.
In a separate statement published following the airing of the Panorama programme, Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley condemned the behaviour depicted in the broadcast.
“Officers behaving in such appalling, criminal ways, let down our communities and will cause some to question if their sons and daughters are safe in our cells, and whether they would be believed and respected as victims of crime. For that, I am truly sorry,” Rowley said.
He said that within 48 hours of these allegations being received, nine officers and one staff member were suspended, and two more officers removed from frontline duties.
“It’s my expectation that for those involved, where there is incontrovertible evidence of racism, misogyny, anti-Muslim sentiment or bragging about excessive use of force, they will be put on a fast-track hearing within weeks and on a path to likely dismissal,” Rowley said.
“Having cleared out huge volumes of unsuitable staff over recent years, we are now probing deeper into the corrupt networks and cliques our actions have driven underground.”
“We’ll support even more staff to report wrongdoing and we will equip and develop our leaders to help them succeed in driving lasting cultural change. Those who can’t or won’t improve should expect to leave,” he said.
