Police freed from hate incident duties in policy shake-up

Police should not be ‘policing toxic culture wars debates’, the Met commissioner said (Alamy/PA) PA Media

Police will receive greater clarity on handling non-crime hate incidents following an upcoming government review, Downing Street confirmed. The Prime Minister's spokesman said officers should focus on "tackling real crime and policing the streets" after Britain's largest force announced major policy changes.

The Metropolitan Police revealed it would no longer investigate non-crime hate incidents, describing the move as ending involvement in "toxic culture war debates". A government minister welcomed the announcement, saying it would allow police to concentrate on violent crime and antisocial behaviour.

Graham Linehan case triggers policy shift

The decision followed controversy over Father Ted creator Graham Linehan's arrest at Heathrow Airport in September. The 57-year-old Irish comedy writer was detained on suspicion of inciting violence over three social media posts about transgender issues.

While initially arrested under the Public Order Act, the investigation later became classified as a non-crime hate incident. The case sparked outrage from Conservative politicians and author JK Rowling before officers confirmed no further action would be taken.

Government review provides framework

A National Police Chief's Council and College of Police review of non-crime hate incidents is due to report in December. The review aims to determine whether current police approaches to recording incidents motivated by hostility or prejudice remain "fit for purpose".

The Downing Street spokesman said: "The police should focus on tackling real crime and policing the streets. The Home Secretary has asked that this review be completed at pace, working with the National Police Chiefs Council and the College of Policing."

Mixed responses across police forces

Other forces across England and Wales maintain different approaches to non-crime hate incidents. Kent Police confirmed it "does not investigate non-crime hate incidents" but records them when required by national guidance.

Lancashire Constabulary and Greater Manchester Police continue recording incidents in line with national guidance. Greater Manchester Police said incidents are assessed individually to determine whether they meet investigation thresholds.

Justice minister Sarah Sackman said constituents repeatedly tell her they want police focusing on crimes "that hit them hard in their communities - violent crime, phone snatching, mugging, antisocial behaviour". She described the Metropolitan Police's decision as "welcome news".

Separate legal proceedings continue

Linehan faces separate court proceedings unrelated to the non-crime hate incident. He has denied harassing transgender activist Sophia Brooks on social media between October 11 and October 27 last year, plus criminal damage charges.

The writer, who now lives in the United States, is scheduled to appear for trial resumption on October 29. These charges remain distinct from the social media posts that initially led to his September arrest.

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).