Menu
13/03/2006
Goldsmith accepts Met Chief's apology
The Attorney General has accepted an apology from Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair after he admitted secretly taping phone conversations.
A spokesperson for Lord Goldsmith said that he had accepted the apology and now considered the matter closed.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Tony Blair also said that he had "full confidence" in Sir Ian.
On Monday, Metropolitan Police Authority Chairman Len Duvall met with senior officers of the Metropolitan Police and later issued a statement, which said: "I have made it clear to the Commissioner that it is wholly unacceptable for private telephone conversations to be recorded without the knowledge and consent of both parties involved. The Commissioner accepts this and has given me an assurance this will never happen again.
"Following my discussions this afternoon I am satisfied that the Commissioner recorded only six calls since he came into office in February 2005. Sir Ian has expressed regret for not agreeing with the individuals concerned that the calls could be recorded."
The 52-year-old head of the Metropolitan Police, who took the reins of the force in February 2005, had faced calls for his resignation from rights groups and from senior members of the London police authority.
It emerged that Sir Ian had recorded conversations with the Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, in September last year.
A police spokesperson said that Sir Ian had taped three conversations with members of the Independent Police Complaints Commission following the shooting of Charles de Menezes. It was confirmed that another conversation with the Attorney General regarding wire tap evidence was also recorded.
The spokesperson said that there had been no attempt by police to conceal the recording of the conversations.
According to telecoms regulator Ofcom, it is not illegal for people to record conversations that are for their own use. However, it is understood that legal problems would arise if these recordings were to be shared with third parties. Under civil law consent from the person being recorded must be obtained.
(SP/GB)
A spokesperson for Lord Goldsmith said that he had accepted the apology and now considered the matter closed.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Tony Blair also said that he had "full confidence" in Sir Ian.
On Monday, Metropolitan Police Authority Chairman Len Duvall met with senior officers of the Metropolitan Police and later issued a statement, which said: "I have made it clear to the Commissioner that it is wholly unacceptable for private telephone conversations to be recorded without the knowledge and consent of both parties involved. The Commissioner accepts this and has given me an assurance this will never happen again.
"Following my discussions this afternoon I am satisfied that the Commissioner recorded only six calls since he came into office in February 2005. Sir Ian has expressed regret for not agreeing with the individuals concerned that the calls could be recorded."
The 52-year-old head of the Metropolitan Police, who took the reins of the force in February 2005, had faced calls for his resignation from rights groups and from senior members of the London police authority.
It emerged that Sir Ian had recorded conversations with the Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, in September last year.
A police spokesperson said that Sir Ian had taped three conversations with members of the Independent Police Complaints Commission following the shooting of Charles de Menezes. It was confirmed that another conversation with the Attorney General regarding wire tap evidence was also recorded.
The spokesperson said that there had been no attempt by police to conceal the recording of the conversations.
According to telecoms regulator Ofcom, it is not illegal for people to record conversations that are for their own use. However, it is understood that legal problems would arise if these recordings were to be shared with third parties. Under civil law consent from the person being recorded must be obtained.
(SP/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 October 2008
Sir Ian Blair Steps Down As Met Police Commissioner
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair has announced he is to resign after three years as Britain's most senior policeman. Sir Ian, who was appointed as the 24th Met Police Commissioner in February 2005, said he would be standing down on 1 December.
Sir Ian Blair Steps Down As Met Police Commissioner
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair has announced he is to resign after three years as Britain's most senior policeman. Sir Ian, who was appointed as the 24th Met Police Commissioner in February 2005, said he would be standing down on 1 December.
28 October 2004
Sir Ian Blair named as Metropolitan police commissioner
The man who will replace Sir John Stephens as the next Metropolitan police commissioner has been named today. Sir Ian Blair, 51, on Oxford graduate who has 30 years experience with the Met, served as a constable, sergeant and inspector in both uniform and CID in Central London.
Sir Ian Blair named as Metropolitan police commissioner
The man who will replace Sir John Stephens as the next Metropolitan police commissioner has been named today. Sir Ian Blair, 51, on Oxford graduate who has 30 years experience with the Met, served as a constable, sergeant and inspector in both uniform and CID in Central London.
04 February 2008
Probe Into Unlawful Bugging Allegations
Justice Secretary Jack Straw has ordered a probe into the alleged claims that police may have unlawfully bugged an MP.
Probe Into Unlawful Bugging Allegations
Justice Secretary Jack Straw has ordered a probe into the alleged claims that police may have unlawfully bugged an MP.
30 July 2008
London Seeks Legal Advice On Met Chief's Future
London's own civic administration has been seeking advice on whether or not it can suspend the city's top cop. The BBC has reported that the Deputy Mayor of London, Kit Malthouse is "trying to clarify" what powers the Mayor had to hold the Metropolitan Police Commissioner to account, pending an inquiry into allegations of financial impropriety.
London Seeks Legal Advice On Met Chief's Future
London's own civic administration has been seeking advice on whether or not it can suspend the city's top cop. The BBC has reported that the Deputy Mayor of London, Kit Malthouse is "trying to clarify" what powers the Mayor had to hold the Metropolitan Police Commissioner to account, pending an inquiry into allegations of financial impropriety.
02 November 2007
Resignation Call On Menezes Killing Verdict
Pressure is mounting on Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair to resign over the shooting of innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes. The force broke health and safety laws when officers pursued Mr Menezes to a Tube station and shot him seven times, mistaking him for a terror suspect.
Resignation Call On Menezes Killing Verdict
Pressure is mounting on Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair to resign over the shooting of innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes. The force broke health and safety laws when officers pursued Mr Menezes to a Tube station and shot him seven times, mistaking him for a terror suspect.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
