Letter reveals prior Pleb-gate complaints
Officers from the Diplomatic Protection Group (DPG) repeatedly denied former Cabinet minister Andrew Mitchell the right to enter Downing Street on his bicycle, a leaked letter has revealed.
Officers from the Diplomatic Protection Group (DPG) repeatedly denied former Cabinet minister Andrew Mitchell the right to enter Downing Street on his bicycle, a leaked letter has revealed.
The letter from the head of security in the Prime Ministers office was sent to Inspector Ken Russell, head of the DPG, complaining about the conduct of the officers.
Days before the letter was released, The Sunday Times reported that officers agreed the day before the Pleb-gate incident to not let Mr Mitchell through the gates on his bike.
In September 2012, Mr Mitchell, the then Government Chief Whip, was refused entry to Downing Street while riding his bicycle. An argument ensued and it was alleged he called officers present f*****g plebs.
Written in June 2011, the letter, which was marked as restricted, alleges that a handful of Cabinet ministers, not just Mr Mitchell, had been refused entry to Downing Street on their bicycles.
In the letter, John Groves, the head of Downing Street security, said: This morning there were two further incidences where DPG officers refused access to a Cabinet minister who was here to attend Cabinet. In one incident, Andrew Mitchell was again stopped from entering Downing Street on his bicycle. According to this Cabinet minister, the police officer said that he did recognise who he was but would not let him in. No clear reason was given.
As far as I am concerned, members of the Cabinet are entitled to unfettered access to Downing Street any time of day or night and at any entry point. Although they do not have a Downing Street photopass, their access should be facilitated in an efficient and expedient manner as is possible.
I think it is entirely reasonable that your officers should be able to recognise the relatively small number who come in on foot or by vehicle without the aid of a protection team.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said it was aware of the letter sent to the DPG in June 2011 and it was responded to accordingly at the time.
A spokesperson said: It is a long-established policy that the MPS does not comment on security arrangements.