As Kit Malthouse and Cindy Butts figure out how the "strong independent element" promised by Mayor Johnson yesterday is included in the MPA inquiry into racism in the Met, Jacqui Smith has asked her junior, Vernon Coaker, to review the issue nationally. The Guardian reports that the knock-on effects of the row within London's police service may be undermining community confidence. Elsewhere, Brian Paddick writes:
Tarique Ghaffur and I would sometimes sit in his office bemoaning the fact that 'they' did not understand 'us', senior officers who were 'different'. We felt that we were not being listened to, excluded as we were from the informal networks.
And Lee Jasper, significantly present at yesterday's MPA meeting, says on his website:
I am initiating discussions with black community organisations across the capital about supporting the action of the MBPA and withdraw all formal, informal cooperation and liaison from the MPS in solidarity with the MBPA. I am also seeking similar discussions with black firemen and women in London who face similar issues. This call will go out immediately.
This issue is a minefield. Tread carefully, Mr Mayor .
