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01/12/2008
'No Police State', Insists Straw Over MP's Arrest
Justice Secretary Jack Straw has admitted he was surprised by the arrest of a Tory MP, last week, over the alleged leak of sensitive Home Office information.
However, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has insisted the police should be allowed to complete their investigation without obstruction.
Mr Straw, speaking to the BBC, said the detention of Conservative immigration spokesman Damian Green came as a surprise, but insisted, contrary to newspaper reports, the UK does not have a ‘police state’.
"Everybody who has been made aware of these unfolding events, of course, is very surprised by the nature of the raid,” he said.
"We don't have a police state here, despite many of the ridiculous newspaper headlines. A police state would be where ministers were directing an investigation," insisted Mr Straw.
However, Ms Smith has defended the police’s actions, and called for no interference in their investigation.
Detectives held 52-year-old Mr Green for eight hours, while his parliamentary offices were raided.
He was arrested on suspicion of "conspiring to commit misconduct in a public office and aiding and abetting, counselling or procuring misconduct in a public office."
The MP denies any wrong doing.
Ms Smith said: "This started as an investigation of a systematic series of leaks from a department that deals with some of the most sensitive and confidential information in government.
"Police should have operational independence. They should be able to pursue those investigations in the way in which their professional judgement suggests," said the Home Secretary.
She added: "Any police investigation that involves a senior political figure or elected representative is highly sensitive and decisions need to be taken very carefully about it."
Meanwhile, Commons Speaker Michael Martin has come under pressure from Tories, demanding to know why he sanctioned the swoop on Mr Green’s Westminster offices.
The Speaker’s office has said he will address MPs on Wednesday.
(PR/KMcA)
However, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has insisted the police should be allowed to complete their investigation without obstruction.
Mr Straw, speaking to the BBC, said the detention of Conservative immigration spokesman Damian Green came as a surprise, but insisted, contrary to newspaper reports, the UK does not have a ‘police state’.
"Everybody who has been made aware of these unfolding events, of course, is very surprised by the nature of the raid,” he said.
"We don't have a police state here, despite many of the ridiculous newspaper headlines. A police state would be where ministers were directing an investigation," insisted Mr Straw.
However, Ms Smith has defended the police’s actions, and called for no interference in their investigation.
Detectives held 52-year-old Mr Green for eight hours, while his parliamentary offices were raided.
He was arrested on suspicion of "conspiring to commit misconduct in a public office and aiding and abetting, counselling or procuring misconduct in a public office."
The MP denies any wrong doing.
Ms Smith said: "This started as an investigation of a systematic series of leaks from a department that deals with some of the most sensitive and confidential information in government.
"Police should have operational independence. They should be able to pursue those investigations in the way in which their professional judgement suggests," said the Home Secretary.
She added: "Any police investigation that involves a senior political figure or elected representative is highly sensitive and decisions need to be taken very carefully about it."
Meanwhile, Commons Speaker Michael Martin has come under pressure from Tories, demanding to know why he sanctioned the swoop on Mr Green’s Westminster offices.
The Speaker’s office has said he will address MPs on Wednesday.
(PR/KMcA)
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14 April 2011
British Man Dies In Dubai Police Custody
A British man has died in police custody in Dubai. Lee Bradley Brown, 39, from east London, died on Tuesday after he was taken to a Dubai police station where he was allegedly assaulted and put into a cell. It has been reported that Mr Brown, was arrested over a row at the luxury hotel Burj Al Arab hotel.
British Man Dies In Dubai Police Custody
A British man has died in police custody in Dubai. Lee Bradley Brown, 39, from east London, died on Tuesday after he was taken to a Dubai police station where he was allegedly assaulted and put into a cell. It has been reported that Mr Brown, was arrested over a row at the luxury hotel Burj Al Arab hotel.
17 April 2009
Green 'Warned Of Life In Prison' Over Home Office Leaks
The Conservative MP who was arrested during an inquiry into Home Office leaks, was warned he would face life imprisonment, he has revealed.
Green 'Warned Of Life In Prison' Over Home Office Leaks
The Conservative MP who was arrested during an inquiry into Home Office leaks, was warned he would face life imprisonment, he has revealed.
01 April 2004
New police complaints body launched today
A new independent police complaints organisation has been launched today which is designed to "increase police and public confidence" in the accountability and integrity of the police service, the Home Office has said.
New police complaints body launched today
A new independent police complaints organisation has been launched today which is designed to "increase police and public confidence" in the accountability and integrity of the police service, the Home Office has said.
04 December 2008
Jacqui Smith Defends Home Office Over Leaks
The Home Secretary has come under fire for defending the decision to call in police to investigate leaks from the Home Office.
Jacqui Smith Defends Home Office Over Leaks
The Home Secretary has come under fire for defending the decision to call in police to investigate leaks from the Home Office.
21 May 2008
Home Secretary Feels The Heat At Police Conference
The Home Secretary faced harsh criticism at the annual Police Federation conference today. Jacqui Smith addressed 1,000 delegates who were already annoyed at her refusal to backdate a 2.5% pay rise, which effectively reduced the overall award to 1.9%. Police Federation Chairman Jan Berry said that her decision was "a monumental mistake".
Home Secretary Feels The Heat At Police Conference
The Home Secretary faced harsh criticism at the annual Police Federation conference today. Jacqui Smith addressed 1,000 delegates who were already annoyed at her refusal to backdate a 2.5% pay rise, which effectively reduced the overall award to 1.9%. Police Federation Chairman Jan Berry said that her decision was "a monumental mistake".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
