SIR MARK ROWLEY, COMMISSIONER, METROPOLITAN POLCE

Sir Mark Rowley is the handsomely-paid Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.  As such,  he is not only in overall charge of policing  London  but also has tentacles  in many subsidiary aspects of national policing.  The arrest of Irish comedian,  Graham Linehan,  a few days ago has thrust Mark into a limelight that he finds very uncomfortable.  It is,  however,  a limelight entirely of his own making.

Mr Linehan,  57,  is a well-known comedian and anti-trans legislation supporter.  In April of this year he posted three tweets to social media platforms one of which read that 'if a trans-identified male is in a female-only space,  he is committing a violent,  abusive act.  Make a scene,  call the cops and,  if all else fails, punch him in the balls.'  

Every sane,  sensible copper in the land would take that as,  at most,  just another joke from a comedian but,  for his troubles,  Mr Linehan was arrested at Heathrow Airport  on his return from America.  He was locked up in a Police cell and liberated on a bail undertaking pending further investigation.  The allegation is said to be 'on suspicion of inciting violence'!!!!!  Seriously, and this from what is claimed to be  an overstretched Metropolitan Police Service and the best police force in the world!!!!!  No wonder they are overstretched,  investigating drivel like this.

An unprecedented furore followed with politicians from the Prime Minister down angry with the Metropolitan Police over the arrest.  Inevitably,  Mark,  as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police,  was drawn into the furore.  Realising that he was caught on the back foot and,  to distance himself from the furore,  Mark called for the Government to 'change or clarify the law'.  Mark went on to say,  most correctly,  that 'I don't believe we should be policing toxic culture wars debates and officers are in an impossible position' but those comments came only long after the horse had  bolted.

But, Mark, but.  Officers are not in that 'impossible position'  because of the Government;  they are in that situation because you,  as Commissioner, didn't have the gumption and the guts to address the problems caused by the Public Order Act 1986 long before now.  

Furthermore,  you,  and you alone,  are responsible  because you have failed manifestly in your duty to direct your officers how to proceed in situations such as those experienced by Mr Linehan and,  most certainly,  you should never be attempting to enforce any legislation that requires any clarification from Government.  Incidentally, are we right in thinking that only  courts can clarify the law and never the Government?

And we're still awaiting you to explain the precise chain of events that led to Mr Linehan's arrest and the officers responsible therefor.  When are you going to tell us?