MPS apologises to antisemitism campaigner for officer’s ‘openly Jewish’ comment

The force said the use of the term “openly Jewish” by one of its officers near a pro-Palestine march was “hugely regrettable” and know it will have “caused offence to many”.

“Being Jewish is not a provocation,” the MPS said in a statement. “Jewish Londoners must be able to feel safe in this city.

“Our commitment to protecting the public extends to all communities across London.”

MPS Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist has written to Mr Falter to offer a private meeting to both apologise to him personally and discuss what more the MPS can do to ensure Jewish Londoners feel safe.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley will also be meeting with senior representatives from the Jewish community, including the London Jewish Forum and Community Security Trust, on Monday (April 22).

“We remain focused on doing everything possible to ensure Jewish Londoners feel safe in this city,” the force said.

“We know recent events and some of our recent actions have contributed to concerns felt by many.

“It’s crucial we listen to those feeling unsafe to go about their daily lives and take immediate action to address their concerns. Their experiences must continue to shape our plans.”

On Sunday evening, senior representatives from across London’s Jewish communities, officials from the Mayor’s Office of Policing and Crime, members of the House of Lords and selected media were invited to an operational planning exercise.

“This would ordinarily be undertaken in private, but in recognition of the need to engage better and provide reassurance we are inviting community leaders to join us,” said the MPS.

“Together, we will work through a range of protest scenarios and invite direct community feedback to inform and challenge not just our operational plans, but our communications during and post event too.”

It added: “We will do everything we can to constantly develop our approach in response to operational challenges to ensure the trust and confidence of all Londoners.

“This is complex, but we will continue to seek the support and insight of all voices who can help us deliver the service London deserves.”

The Metropolitan Police Federation said it had “a productive conversation” with Mr Falter over the weekend and is in contact with the officer “in the eye of this latest political and media storm”.

Federation chair Rick Prior said policing protests is “an incredibly complex area of policing”.

“Every weekend Metropolitan Police officers are having their leave and days off cancelled to facilitate these protests – while their normal job patrolling their local boroughs is just not getting done,” he said.

“Recurring protest marches in Central London are putting a huge strain on our colleagues. Everyone – particularly in the press and politicians – seemingly has an opinion on our work and what we do.

“Whilst the protests we have seen are in the main peaceful, the constant criticism and the trial by social media our officers suffer whilst policing them is as unfair to hard working police officers.

“Our colleagues on the front line are in a near impossible job. Dammed if we do dammed if we don’t whilst trying to keep London moving and keep people safe.”

Mr Prior added: “The Metropolitan Police Federation is happy to play its part in trying to move forward with the best interests of all Londoners at heart. “We have had a productive conversation with Gideon Falter over the weekend and are in discussions with the senior leaders of the Metropolitan Police who are overseeing the command and control of these demonstrations.

“What we can also say is we are in contact with the officer in the eye of this latest political and media storm. None of us have the benefit of hindsight when dealing with real-time spontaneous incidents. Our colleague has the full support of the Federation.”