Women and girls who are survivors and victims of sexual assault, harassment and discreditable conduct by police officers and staff deserve an explanation.
That only 13 of 1,539 allegations of mistreatment ended with a sacking is unbelievable, a potentially massive miscarriage of justice.
Nobody is arguing every case could result in disciplinary action or a conviction.
But the low rate is beyond the realms of reason – a figure so tiny that many will question what is going on.
The National Police Chiefs Council figures demand a thorough rethink of how accusations are handled.
We acknowledge many police officers do a dangerous, difficult job with dedication and bravery. But the jailings of David Carrick and Wayne Couzens were grim evidence some officers break the law instead of upholding it.
Restoring trust in the police is vital so that we all feel safer.
Tory foul play
Nobody likes sore losers – and that includes vengeful Tories now demanding the BBC’s abolition after they failed to get Gary Lineker sacked.
These right-wing vandals pretend to champion free speech yet seethe with spite when they fail to gag a popular sports presenter who serves them uncomfortable home truths.
Fogey Jacob Rees-Mogg wins a prize for a lack of self-awareness for claiming the licence fee is past its sell-by date when that’s what many think about him and this Tory regime.
The BBC, not Lineker, is the real target and the tragedy is bosses initially tried to appease ideological louts who seek to destroy a sparkling jewel in Britain’s public crown. The Tories can’t stop scoring spectacular own goals.
Just the ticket
Horse racing is the sport of kings and this week’s Cheltenham Festival will have one on the throne for the first time since 1951.
Will it be a glorious four days of top-quality riding and partying? You can bet on it.
