Metropolitan Police Report by Sir Richard Henriques

Debate between Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist and Lord Campbell-Savours

Monday 30th September 2019 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist]

I am afraid that I cannot make that undertaking at the moment, but the Government agree that there should be a general right to anonymity before charge for all offences. But there will be exceptional circumstances where there are legitimate policing reasons to name a suspect—for example, to make a public warning about a wanted individual. In other cases, it is important to preserve the anonymity of those coming forward with allegations that may not pass the threshold, as they would damage their reputation if they were made public.

[Lord Campbell-Savours (Lab)]

My Lords, in her initial response, the Minister used the phrase “at the earliest opportunity”. Why not tomorrow? What is blocking the publication of this report? Is it not fair to conclude that at no stage, post Henriques, has any police force, police commissioner or police chief had the good sense to say that there will be a full review of how sexual offence accusations will be handled by the police in the future? Therefore, we can only look forward to further blunders, injustices and lives destroyed, as in the cases of Lord Brittan, Lord Bramall and, indeed, Mr Harvey Proctor, who at least can now take these people to court and see justice.

[Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist]

Regarding why it has taken so long to publish the report since the Metropolitan Police announced it on 14 August, the noble Lord will agree that, before publishing these reports, every individual named is given the opportunity to respond. That has taken some time. The Met has been concerned to follow the proper process before publication. The report contains sensitive material and it is right that care is taken, so that further distress is not caused to those mentioned in the report, including Bramall, Proctor and others.

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist]

Of course the Government will consider that, just as we will consider all the recommendations in both reports and many of the questions raised in the House today.

[Lord Campbell-Savours]

I say to the Minister that some of us believe that Mr Rodhouse should never have been given his last appointment.

[Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist]

I am sorry: the noble Lord has the advantage of me there. My brief does not cover that point.