Army stood down from counter-terror policing support
Yesterday, the Army was stood down from its role in supporting counter-terrorism policing in London, as armed police officers returned to duty. This comes after a heated dispute where some regional armed officers refused to fill in.
Officers handed in weapons in protest
Over 300 officers from the Metropolitan Police had handed in their weapons in protest over a colleague being charged with the murder of rapper Chris Kaba. However, the Met's request for armed police assistance from outside forces under a mutual aid contingency rule was largely rejected.
Bust-up between Met armed cops and other forces
A conflict broke out between Metropolitan Police armed officers and firearms officers from Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, who were among the few forces that traveled to London. One source described the scene as "reminiscent of scabs being chewed out by striking miners."
Provincial colleagues fill in for refusing officers
Although some Authorized Firearms Officers were still refusing to return to work, a "limited number" of officers from provincial forces were called in to provide sufficient cover for the capital. These officers are assisting with non-terrorism firearms duties.
SAS assistance no longer required
Yesterday, it was revealed that an SAS assault team had been deployed to London after the Metropolitan Police's specialist firearms teams were severely reduced. However, following meetings with Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and a review ordered by Home Secretary Suella Braverman regarding the legal rights of officers involved in shootings, the Met announced that military assistance was no longer needed.
Clarity needed on legal powers
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his support for the Home Secretary's review, stating that armed police officers need "clarity" about their legal powers. The review aims to address concerns and provide clear guidelines for officers involved in shootings.
The Metropolitan Police expressed their gratitude to the Ministry of Defence and armed forces personnel for their support. While a limited number of armed officers from other UK police forces are still providing non-counterterrorism armed policing support, the majority of armed resources deployed across London are from the Met.
The initial dispute arose after an officer was charged with the murder of Chris Kaba, who was shot while driving in Streatham, South London. The officer is said to have fired a single shot to the head of the 24-year-old, who was soon to become a father.
