Met hopeful firearms officers crisis abating after review vow
The Guardian|September 26, 2023
Scotland Yard chiefs were hopeful that the rebellion by their own firearms officers was subsiding, with more returning to carrying weapons assuaged by promises that a review would examine greater protections.
Vikram Dodd 
Met hopeful firearms officers crisis abating after review vow

The crisis was triggered when officers refused to carry out armed patrols after the announcement last Wednesday by prosecutors that a firearms officer would face a murder charge for shooting dead an unarmed suspect, Chris Kaba, last September in south London.

Privately, senior sources insisted the home secretary, Suella Braverman, had convinced police leaders she was serious about introducing changes if recommended by the review, with firearms officers believing they risk being persecuted for carrying out their duties and using force.

Sources with knowledge of the firearms command said officers' concerns had eased enough to allow some to return to full duty, after the Met commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, used an open letter to say that officers needed greater protections, and that both the police watchdog and prosecutors needed to consider reforming the way they pursue officers who use force.

Key tests will come as trained armed officers report for shifts today.

This story is from the September 26, 2023 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 26, 2023 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE GUARDIANView All
The Guardian

The Filter Cast-iron alternatives to Le Creuset for less

Le Creuset's colourful pans have long topped the wishlists of amateur and professional cooks.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 16, 2024
Money hacks How to find a pet-sitter you can trust
The Guardian

Money hacks How to find a pet-sitter you can trust

Unless you have family, a friend or a neighbour who can care for your pet when you're away, you'll need to find a pet-sitter you can trust.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 16, 2024
Pensions An A to Z of how to save for your retirement
The Guardian

Pensions An A to Z of how to save for your retirement

Everything you need to know to plan for your future and make the most of your finances. Rupert Jones and Hilary Osborne report

time-read
9 mins  |
November 16, 2024
'A fork in the road' AI's bid to help on laundry days at Europe's tech summit
The Guardian

'A fork in the road' AI's bid to help on laundry days at Europe's tech summit

This year's Web Summit in Lisbon was all about artificial intelligence and a robot sorting laundry.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 16, 2024
Brexit So how could Labour improve EU ties for the sake of growth?
The Guardian

Brexit So how could Labour improve EU ties for the sake of growth?

The Bank of England governor, Andrew Bailey, said this week that Brexit had undermined the UK's economy, and urged the government to improve relations with the EU for the sake of growth.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 16, 2024
Aviation Flying taxis: destined never to take off?
The Guardian

Aviation Flying taxis: destined never to take off?

In a dreary November day in the Cotswolds, the VX4 - a cross between a plane and a helicopter - rose from an airport runway, hovered a few feet off the ground and set back down.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 16, 2024
Property firm back in profit as workers return to offices
The Guardian

Property firm back in profit as workers return to offices

One of Britain's biggest property developers has provided further evidence of the return to office working, saying occupancy in its central London offices is at an all-time high and the value of its portfolio has returned to growth.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 16, 2024
The Guardian

Analysis Summer of dark warnings from the Treasury may have cast a shadow on growth

It was hardly surprising that the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, declared herself \"not satisfied\" with the news that the UK's GDP expanded by a measly 0.1% in the three months to September.

time-read
1 min  |
November 16, 2024
The Guardian

Contracting GDP adds to German woes as general election looms

Germany's looming general election will be fought against the backdrop of a stagnating economy, the European Commission has forecast, with GDP expected to have contracted in 2024.

time-read
1 min  |
November 16, 2024
UK economy slows amid jitters over Labour budget
The Guardian

UK economy slows amid jitters over Labour budget

The UK economy slowed to a near-standstill in the third quarter as uncertainty around Labour's first budget and high interest rates weighed on business and consumer spending.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 16, 2024