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Two members of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) are expected to demand a halt to the new policy of more frequent armed patrols of streets and housing estates in Brixton, Harlesden and Haringey affected by gun crime.
This approach was a departure from the principle that the police in Britain are unarmed except in special circumstances.
Although the Met said the patrols would be used only where there was an immediate threat, or in support of operations, the approach was nonetheless a step towards routine use of weapons.
However, the levels of gun crime in the areas concerned, in one case involving a turf war between Turkish drug gangs, had forced a change in practice.
At least some residents initially welcomed the policy as a signal to the gangs that they were not in charge.
Others, however, are objecting. It seems that the Met failed to foresee the complaints that have been reported by two members of the MPA.
It also appears that neither Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson nor his deputy Tim Godwin were informed of the details of the plans, while the Mayor, Boris Johnson, and his policing deputy Kit Malthouse were apparently not briefed at all.
This is extraordinary. The new patrols were always likely to alarm some local residents. The force should have anticipated objections and made its case better via consultation with community groups.
The complaints relate as much to the lack of consultation as to the policy itself. That said, even if introduction of the policy has been mishandled, it would be wrong to abandon the new approach if it can be shown to be working.
There may be a silent majority that welcomes the patrols even though it is the objectors who are more vocal.
At Thursday's meeting of the MPA the Met should undertake to carry out an arm's length review of the policy once it has been in operation for long enough for a proper assessment to be made.
Boost the Tube
Investing in the Tube could bring £24 billion of economic benefit to the UK, according to a study by London First, representing the capital's larger businesses.
Anyone reading this on an overcrowded Tube train will be unsurprised to learn that the Underground continues to require major investment if it is to avoid further deterioration, let alone cope with the growth in London's population expected in the short-term future.
At a time when there is talk of rebalancing the economy away from financial services, it is vital to remember that law, higher education, tourism and some financial sectors are still thriving. Yet Londoners still endure some of the longest travel-to-work times in the UK, on some of the most overcrowded buses and trains.
Much growth and prosperity will be forfeited if the infrastructure fails to cope. Our reports today on the plans for Vauxhall, the biggest city-centre development site in Europe, show how important it is to solve the transport deficiencies there if the location's potential is to be realised.
The public finances may be too stretched to offer much, so the key to finding the finance, as with Crossrail, may lie in tapping the resources of the landlords and developers whose properties will gain in value if transport improves. London First should ask how far its members are prepared to go to support this end.
Food for thought
Manners makyth man is a famous school motto, and a new City Academy in Hackney is putting the principle into practice.
Serving meals to others and eating together teaches important lessons about co-operation and mutual respect, and can be fun. Other schools should follow suit.
