London council leaders have pledged to work with the capital’s police force in rebuiliding trust with the public after the damning report by Baroness Louise Casey.
The report, commissioned by the Metropolitan Police after one of its officers abducted and murdered Sarah Everard in 2021, accused the force of institutional racism, misogyny and homophobia.
The London Assembly police and crime committee were meeting today to discuss the findings with Baroness Casey, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and Sophie Linden, deputy mayor for policing and crime.
Jas Athwal, London Councils executive member for community safety and violence against women and girls, described the report as ‘bleak’ and said its findings resonate with ‘too many Londoners' experiences’.
He said: ‘A city as diverse as London needs a police force which reflects the communities it serves, and a police service which all Londoners feel they will be treated fairly by, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, religion, sexuality or any other characteristic which is part of your identity.
‘The swift and decisive action that Sir Mark Rowley has taken to cut out the rot within the service since he took office in the autumn must continue at pace.
‘Local borough leaders met Sir Mark yesterday to discuss the impact of the Casey Report on the Metropolitan Police’s turnaround plan.
‘London leaders have a unique insight into the range of issues facing local communities, and we stand ready to work with the Met as it implements the significant changes needed to rebuild trust and confidence amongst London’s diverse communities.’
Responding to the Casey Report, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: ‘The evidence is damning. Baroness Casey has found institutional racism, misogyny and homophobia, which I accept. She has described the Met as defensive, resistant to change and unwilling to engage with communities.
‘As mayor, I’ve already acted to put the Met on a path of far-reaching systematic and cultural reform, with the appointment of a new Commissioner and leadership team who acknowledge the scale of the problems and are committed to change. But clearly much more needs to be done, and fast.’
