MPs call for Green report
By politics.co.uk staff
MPs are today calling for home secretary Jacqui Smith to release a report detailing the police’s handling of the Damian Green affair.
The Press Association reports a cross-party motion signed by senior MPs such as David Davis, Menzies Campbell and Keith Vaz asks for a report by British Transport Police chief constable Ian Johnston to be made public.
According to the motion, signed by 96 MPs, the report “has been withheld from public scrutiny and from Parliament despite the fact that parts of the report were released by the Metropolitan Police on 16 December and used in comments by Assistant Police Commissioner Bob Quick”.
The Metropolitan police have admitted that the report had raised question about whether “elements of the investigative approach meet current policy and best practice”.
Mr Quick said in December that Mr Johnston had given a “reassurance that the arrests and searches were lawful”.
He added: “He recognises that there are arguments, either way, regarding proportionality over the manner of arrest of a Member of Parliament but questions the method taken in this case.
“He also raises concerns as to whether elements of the investigative approach meet current policy and best practice.”
The motion was tabled by Conservative MP Bernard Jenkin. It urges Ms Smith to “take appropriate measures” to publish a copy in the Commons library.
