Morning:
11°c
An awesome and ridiculous film that leaves you thrilled beyond the point of your natural endurance
London faces a wave of bus and Tube strikes that could cause chaos for millions of passengers as unions walkout over pay and conditions
More...
Met chief orders inquiry into Muslim PC embassy row
Last updated at 09:22am on 05.10.06
Sir Ian Blair has ordered an 'urgent inquiry' after a Muslim police officer was excused from guarding London's Israeli Embassy after he objected to the duty on 'moral grounds'.
Sir Ian said: "Having learned of this issue I have asked for an urgent review of the situation and a full report into the circumstances."
PC Alexander Omar Basha - a member of the Metropolitan Police's Diplomatic Protection Group - refused to be posted there because he objected to Israeli bombings in Lebanon and the resulting civilian casualties of fellow Muslims.
In a move which has caused widespread astonishment at Scotland Yard, senior officers in the DPG agreed that that PC Basha should be given an alternative posting.
The officer, who carries a gun, is now thought to be guarding another embassy.
Critics accused Met chiefs of bowing to political correctness, saying the decision set a dangerous precedent.
A senior source in the Metropolitan Police Federation said: 'We are expected to serve people without fear or favour. You treat them according to their needs whether you agree with their political or religious views or not.
"Officers should not be allowed to pick and choose where they work in this way."
Richard Barnes, a Tory member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, accused senior officers of lacking tact.
He said: "I think it was crass management in the first place. They should have recognised there could have been a problem and not suggested this officer be posted at this embassy.
"The Met keep banging on about diversity, but this case shows they have learned very little at all."
The Israeli embassy in Kensington, West London, is one of the most secure diplomatic buildings in the capital. Officers are on patrol around the clock amid fears it could be targeted by terrorists.
Last night senior Scotland Yard sources stressed the decision not to post PC Basha to the Israeli embassy was taken by 'locally' senior officers in the DPG.
They stressed Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair, who has been dubbed Britain's most politically correct police chief, had "absolutely no involvement in the case".
But Met insiders blame Sir Ian for creating a culture of political correctness since taking over as head of the force in February last year.
One of the first initiatives taken by Sir Ian after taking up the post was to change the Met's log from a handwritten style to a bland type in capitals because it discriminated against short-sighted people.
Next he approved the hiring of 24 'diversity advisors' to give advice on race and gay issues to police investigating major crimes.
Last year he was found 'guilty' of 'hanging three white detectives out to dry' to prove his anti-racist credentials.
An employment tribunal said while deputy head of the force, Sir Ian prejudiced discipline proceedings against the men because he wanted to make an example of them.
The three said they were 'treated like criminals' after an Asian woman colleague complained that one of the mispronounced the word 'shi'ites' as 'shitties'. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police confirmed that PC Basha had objected to being posted to the Israeil Embassy.
He added: "On occasions and for a variety of reasons, an officer may ask to be moved, whatever role they perform. Every case is managed separately.
"At the end of the day the needs of the Metropolitan Police Service take precedence and the Commissioner reserves the right to post an officer where he sees fit."
PC Nadeem Malik, an executive committee member of the Association of Muslim Police, said: "There are around 300 Muslim staff working in the Met and a number of Muslim police working in the diplomatic protection group who do not have problem covering the Israeli Embassy.
"These officers are Londoners, and Met police officers first and foremost."
PC Basha - in his late twenties and with a neatly-trimmed beard - is understood he has recently taken part in recent anti-war protests.
The Israeli Embassy in Kensington Palace Gardens is a top terror target. The building was attacked in 1994 by Palestinian fanatics when a 50lb car bomb exploded, injuring nine and causing millions of pounds' damage.
Ex-Met Flying Squad commander John O'Connor, said: "This is the beginning of the end for British policing.
"If they can allow this, surely they'll have to accept a Jewish officer not wanting to work at an Islamic national embassy? Will Catholic cops be let off working at Protestant churches? Where will it end? This decision is going to allow officers to act in a discriminating and racist way.
"When you join the police, you do so to provide a service to the public. If you cannot perform those duties, you leave.
"The Metropolitan Police are setting a precedent they will come to bitterly regret. Top brass granted his wish as they were probably frightened of being accused of racism. But what they've done is an insult to the Jewish community."
Last night Met chief Sir Ian Blair ordered an urgent review of the decision not to post the Muslim officer to the Israeli embassy.
In a hurriedly-composed statement, he said: "Having learned of this issue, I have asked for a review of the situation and a full report into the circumstances."
Met sources said the Commissioner was 'furious' that such a decision had been taken by his senior officers.
One said: "He had no knowledge about this case until very late tonight. It sends out the wrong messages and he wants it sorted out as soon as possible."
It is understood the head of the Diplomatic Protection Group, Chief Supt Jamie Stephen, approved PC Basha's request.
His boss, Commander Peter Loughborough, was "consulted" about the case and agreed with his decision.
Commander Loughborough - an artisocrat who is also in overall charge of Royalty Protection - is no stranger to controversy.
He was strongly tipped to lose his job after an intruder dressed up as Osama Bin Laden gatecrashed Prince William's 21st birthday party at Windsor Castle, and kissed him on both cheeks.
However he kept his job after senior royals made it clear to the Met's top brass they had faith in him.
Reader views (19)
No body wants to admit it but I think it is 'fear' pure & simple. For example just imagine if you publicly offend a Buddhist. Would you be afraid? I doubt it. What about offending a Christian in public? Of course not, it happens every day on tv. A jew or hindu? Most people wont even notice them, but say something about a Muslim in public (even if they are obviously in the wrong) and I think you would have a very good reason to be worried.
If anyone has doubts about my view, why not find out for yourself?
the next time you happen to walk past a church temple or synagogue, shout out obscenities and see what happens then do the same in front of a mosque. I assure you that you will not be in any danger of physical harm until you reach the final place of worship
- Yasaf Gabriel Ali, cardiff
Police officers are always asked to be supermen and they can. This kind of situation was well handled as the human feelings were accomodated without problems. However, it is agreeable to say that everybody deserves protection regardless of his beliefs and political stand points. We cannot permit that police officers disengage from their duties on grounds such as feelings.
Every body deserves protection even the cruelest criminals.
- Fathi, Tunis, Tunisia
Iain Blair you pillock! Tony Blair you pillock!
- J Marshall, Surrey, England
Basil (below) unwittingly exposes the real problem. If somewhere else is "back home", what is this officer doing in the force? His first loyalty is to the laws and public of the UK and his duties are to protect them and other persons lawfully in the UK, to prevent crime and to enforce the laws of the UK, without fear or favour. This officer's refusal to carry out certain duties can only mean that there are some people he will not protect, some crimes he will not prevent, some laws that in some circumstances he will not enforce. Such attitudes are wholly incompatible with police work and have no place in any police force.
- James Barber, Australia
Basil of Basildon.
Police officers cannot pick and choose who they defend. They are duty-bound to uphold the law, whatever that may be. Since bombing or attacking the Israeli embassy is illegal, they are therefore duty-bound to protect it and its staff from anti-Semites and/or terrorists.
- Jamie, Plymouth
I applaud the constable's moral courage and professionalism; he admitted that he had a problem and consulted his superior officers. Totally correct. However, is it appropriate that he should continue to carry a firearm, and ammunition, whilst he harbours such strong anti Israeli feelings?
- Tim C, Isle of Wight,UK
The most important aspect of this case is that this Police Officer had already been given the all clear to pick and choose whom he wanted to defend. lets not forget that without this leaked document this inquiry would not be going ahead, also it would have set a presidence for all Muslim Officers to cherry pick locations and peoples who they feel comfortable defending.
We owe a debt of gratitude to whomsoever revealed this
- Pat, sussex
Well how would you feel if you were told to patrol an embassy whose country were murdering your family and friends in your native country, as in this case. It is the senior officers who are to blame for even trying to send him there to start with. I know I would say "Hey Boss I have a problem with these guys, they have been bombing and killing my relatives back home. Can I swap with someone else?"
- Basil, basildon
This does not suprise me, Then agin I have no faith in the police or this goverment. Pathetic! P.C does mean politcally correct not police constable does it not?
- J J Rigg, Hampshire, England
Last month in Scotland news reports stated that five firemen where demoted and required diversity training as they did not want to give out leaflets at a gay pride event. Two of the firemen stated this was down to their Catholic beliefs. Why are the same principles not followed for this officer? A police officer's duty is to uphold the rule of law in this country external politics should be irrelevant.
- Howard, London UK
If individual police officers can pick and choose which jobs they do on the basis of the their own individual moral framework, then the force is in a sorry state indeed. No matter whether you sympathise for this man's politics or not, we must have a force comprised of officers who will carry on their central role of protecting the public. Imagine the whim of an officer whose views do not coincide with your own being indulged and you can see how divisive this could easily become.
- Alan, London, UK
RIDICULOUS! Next we will have people saying that they will not attend a burglary for fear that they will catch one at it!
- Abigail Charkham, London
If PC Basha is unable to reconcile his faith with his service in the Police Force then he should resign; his primary loyalty must be to upholding the law, and if we allow officers to pick and choose who receives protection and justice then all hope of equal access to the law is gone.
- Dave, Bath, UK
It used to be that Police worked without fear or favour. Something else that has ceased in this crazy world where everyone has rights and no-one has responsibilities.
- Julian, Ipswich
What's next, the doctor who refuses to treat homosexuals, or the fireman who refuses to put out the fire at the home of a Tory or Labour candidate (pick the one you don't like)? What ever happened to "justice is blind"?
- Alex Ragen, Jerusalem, Israel
I'm a lesbian feminist separtist. I should be excluded from all patrols involving men and straight women!
- Sandy, New Britain, USA
What's next? Will he be excused from having to arrest muslims on moral grounds? I was unaware that the police in London were so inept that they are incapable of even serving the entire community without prejudice.
- John, Honolulu, United States
Should Scotland Yard make a point of excluding Muslims from specific duties based on their religion, there will be a predictable uproar claiming that they're not being trusted.
- Bo, Denver, USA
Any policeman who feels it's his choice as to who he protects is absolutely unfit for duty. If this is the future of English law enforcement then you Brits are in some serious trouble.
- Ogdred Weary, San Francisco USA
