MEND STATEMENT: WHEN THE POLICE FUEL DIVISION AND HATE, CAN THE MET COME BACK FROM THIS?

MEND strongly condemns the actions of officers at Charing Cross station who expressed support for far-right extremist Tommy Robinson, made Islamophobic, racist and misogynistic comments and used excessive force against suspects, including children, as revealed in a BBC investigation. Such behaviour and views are entirely unacceptable for anyone entrusted with upholding the law.

We also condemn the leadership failures within the Metropolitan Police that have allowed such behaviour to persist. Reports including the Casey Review and multiple Independent Office for Police Conduct investigations reveal a culture where complaints are ignored, discriminatory behaviour is tolerated and minority officers are humiliated and abused. Incidents such as bacon being placed in a Muslim officer’s boots or a Sikh officer’s turban being mishandled show that these are systemic problems, not isolated incidents.

Communities across London and the UK have long expressed mistrust of a police force that has repeatedly targeted Black, Asian and Muslim individuals through racial profiling and disproportionate use of force. These failings not only put minority communities at risk but also erode public confidence in policing.

MEND calls on the Metropolitan Police and the Home Office to take immediate action. This must include full recognition of institutional Islamophobia and racism, transparent disciplinary measures against those responsible and independent oversight to ensure reforms are implemented and sustained. The Met also needs to accept training from trusted community organisations to challenge and address these deep-seated attitudinal problems. Until these issues are addressed, public trust in policing will remain shattered.