PM 'appalled' by police treatment of Jewish man

[Social Media]

 

Rishi Sunak was "appalled" by the way police treated a Jewish man during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in London, a Downing Street source has said. Downing Street said the prime minister had seen the original footage of what happened and was "appalled as everyone else by the officer calling Mr Falter 'openly Jewish'".

 

 

The recent clash between London's Metropolitan Police and Gideon Falter, has thrust issues of discrimination and policing practices into the spotlight. The confrontation unfolded amidst a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the heart of London, where Falter, visibly donning his Jewish identity with a skullcap, found himself at odds with law enforcement.

 

In a troubling display captured on video, Falter was confronted by a police officer who deemed him "openly Jewish," insinuating that his mere presence at the demonstration was somehow contentious. This encounter has reverberated across the community, eliciting widespread condemnation and calls for accountability.

 

Rishi Sunak, was among the voices expressing dismay at the treatment of Falter. His sentiments echoed those of many who viewed the officer's actions as discriminatory and unacceptable. The subsequent apologies issued by the Metropolitan Police, while acknowledging the impropriety of the officer's conduct, have not assuaged concerns.

 

A spokesperson said the Met had made "entirely avoidable mistakes", which have had "a devastating effect on the previously high level of trust held by the UK's Jewish community in the police". The Home Secretary James Cleverly has written to Sir Mark and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan asking for an explanation. Mr Khan has arranged an urgent meeting with the commissioner on Monday to "discuss community relations", but it is understood he has full confidence in the commissioner.

 

On Saturday a spokesman for the mayor said the Met's handling of the incident was "concerning" and that the force "must have the confidence of the communities they serve".

 

Critics argue that the incident underscores broader issues within law enforcement agencies and their handling of community relations. Calls for the resignation of the Met's commissioner have amplified, with Falter himself advocating for a change in leadership to address systemic shortcomings.

 

Amidst the fallout, discussions about the rights and safety of individuals from all backgrounds have taken center stage. The Metropolitan Police has extended invitations to representatives from London's Jewish communities to engage in dialogue aimed at fostering understanding and rebuilding trust.

 

At its core, the incident highlights the imperative of combatting discrimination and prejudice in all forms. As investigations continue and discussions unfold, there is a collective hope for meaningful reforms that uphold the principles of equality and justice for all members of society.

 

2024-04-22

Source

 

[JonnyF]

Indeed it was appalling.

 

But what do you expect when the Met police has a culture of anti-semitism under Sadiq Khan? The fish rots from the head. Roll on the mayoral elections although unfortunately many Londoners now share his distasteful opinions so it might actually work for him. 

[herfiehandbag]

Two points:

1) Sunak is the Prime Minister not the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

 

2) Sunak and Cleverly (Home Secretary - the minister responsible for policing) can write as many letters as they wish. The Metropolitan Police Command Structure will ignore them. They know that there is to be an election within the year, they know that this government is toast, and they are looking towards making an accommodation with its successor - maybe already have!