Chris Murray

The Home Affairs Select Committee is a cross-party group of MPs that scrutinises the work of the Home Office. We undertook a short, focussed inquiry into last year’s summer disorder. Our full report is available at committees.parliament.uk/committee/83... 9/9

The disorder began following the tragic murders of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguiar in Southport. My thoughts are with the families of these poor children and the community in Southport. 8/9

This needs to be urgently - and regularly - updated. It should not have taken disorder on this scale to prompt revision. 7/9

Misinformation circulated online about the attacker, but the CPS wasnt clear what could be released without prejudicing a later trial. The protocol used on sharing information dates from 2005. It is clearly unfit for the social media age. 6/9

Swift prosecution of those involved was critical in quelling riots and preventing further disorder. This effectiveness was due to good links between policing, the @MoJGovUK and @CPSUK. I commend this, but other crimes merit the same. 5/9

We found shortcomings in national policing structures. Forces couldn’t access support needed. Poor national systems impeded the response. National mobilisation came too late. Ministers found the @HomeOffice “hollowed out” without reliable info on no of officers deployed. 4/9

It’s disappointing to see unsubstantiated commentary of “two-tier policing”, undermining police who serve bravely. Violence towards police officers was described as “quite incredible”. At least 199 officers were assaulted and 302 injured. We commend the officers involved. 3/9

The Select Committee found nothing to support claims of “two tier policing”. The level of violence determined the policing response - nothing else. The Ctte found the policing of the summer disorder entirely appropriate given the levels of violence and criminality. (2/9)