The Metropolitan Police is on track to miss vital targets for purging rogue officers from its ranks and preventing others from joining the force. That is the damning warning delivered by the police watchdog.
HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services has given a red alert to the Met Met against some of the recommendations, meaning it does not expect Scotland Yard to make changes before the deadline it has set.
This warning, contained in a letter published this morning, is the latest blow to a force that only in March was branded institutionally racist, misogynistic and homophobic by Baroness Casey in her report.
We do not doubt the sincerity of Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley’s determination to rid the Met of those who should never have joined. But speed is of the essence, to ensure the failings that let Wayne Couzens and David Carrick commit appalling crimes as officers never happen again.
Londoners deserve no less than a police force they can trust. That will not be possible until the Met can demonstrate, beyond doubt, that it has implemented all the changes and recommendations necessary.
A welcome U-turn
Eventually, reality comes for us all — even hardline Brexiteers. Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has confirmed that the Government has ditched plans to complete a so-called ‘bonfire’ of remaining EU laws by the end of this year. Furthermore, only around 600 laws will be revoked rather than the 4,000 initially pledged.
This climbdown will come as a welcome relief to business, already grappling with uncertainty and reduced access to European markets. It appears also to be a recognition that any benefits for Brexit are not to be found in diverging from the EU for the sake of it. The Prime Minister is therefore right to renege on the promise he made during the Conservative leadership election.
Brexit is far more complex — and damaging — a process than many Tory backbenchers will ever concede. It was simply never feasible, let alone desirable, to jettison thousands of rules and regulations at breakneck speed, for an undefined purpose.
Rather than blaming civil servants, ministers must focus on working with Whitehall to develop and execute policies to battle the cost of living crisis and, yes, improve relations with our European neighbours.
Queen Bey is back
The Coronation may be over but royal watchers still have something to look forward to: the return of Queen Bey.
Beyoncé kicked off her world tour last night with a spectacular show in Stockholm, wearing garments made by London design houses including Alexander McQueen and David Koma.
She takes up residence at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for five nights later this month. It is not one to miss.
