Latest news with #DianaJohnson
The Independent
6 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Orgreave miners prioritised over grooming gang victims, Tories claim
The Government has been accused of prioritising the Orgreave miners over 'the minors who suffered horrific exploitation at the hands of grooming gangs'. Shadow policing minister Matt Vickers told the Commons that 'this Labour Government's union paymasters should not determine the pecking order of justice in this country'. His comments, which policing minister Dame Diana Johnson branded 'extremely distasteful', came after a public inquiry was announced this week into the violent confrontation at Orgreave during the miners' strike in 1984. The inquiry, expected to launch in the autumn, will investigate the events surrounding clashes at the Orgreave Coking Plant in South Yorkshire on June 18 1984, which caused 120 injuries. In total, 95 picketers were arrested and initially charged with riot and violent disorder, but all charges were later dropped after evidence was discredited. Meanwhile, last month the Government announced that there will be a full statutory inquiry into grooming gangs, after initially dismissing calls for one. Responding to the Orgreave inquiry announcement, Tory frontbencher Mr Vickers said: 'I note from the Government's publication that the inquiry will be statutory, with powers to compel individuals to provide information where necessary. 'This sounds remarkably similar to a request we've made to the Government, one which was repeatedly rejected. 'The victims and survivors of rape gangs deserve detailed updates on the progress of that inquiry, yet the lack of information about how this new inquiry will be set up and how it will compel evidence leads me to conclude that the Government has prioritised the miners over the minors who suffered horrific exploitation at the hands of rape gangs. 'This Labour Government's union paymasters should not determine the pecking order of justice in this country. 'There are still perpetrators of child sexual exploitation and those who have covered it up who have gone unpunished. 'And yet this Government has chosen to prioritise this inquiry.' Mr Vickers also claimed there are 'serious questions' about whether the chairman of the inquiry – the Rt Rev Dr Pete Wilcock, the Bishop of Sheffield – will be able to 'act in a politically neutral and independent manner'. He asked: 'Can the minister assure the House that the inquiry will not be political in nature and that it will listen to the views of all parties present on the day, so that this is not merely an example of the Government putting the interests of the unions ahead of the police?' Responding, Dame Diana said she was 'surprised' by these remarks because 'I know the shadow minister is a good man'. But she added: 'I must say to him that I found his comments extremely distasteful and also not accurate or correct.' Dame Diana told MPs: 'Our manifesto commitment was to ensure that there was a thorough investigation or inquiry, that the truth about the events at Orgreave came to light, and that is what we are doing today.' She added: 'He will know that there has been a great deal of work to make sure that the hideous, appalling situations that have been uncovered around the grooming gangs are now going to be dealt with. 'The safeguarding minister has given statements to the House. The Home Secretary has given statements to the House. 'There has been a clear list of the action that is being taken, and it seems to me that that work is absolutely right. 'And of course, under the previous government, when the independent child abuse inquiry was set up, there was support across the House for that work of Professor Alexis Jay. 'It's just a great pity that the previous government did not actually enact any of the recommendations that Professor Alexis Jay came forward. 'And I think that is a hugely shameful state of affairs that this Government then inherited. 'But I'm absolutely clear that this Government is dealing with grooming gangs and that that is absolutely the right thing to do but, equally, it's absolutely the right thing to do to set the Orgreave inquiry up today.' Addressing the issue of the chairman of the inquiry, the minister said: 'I was really disappointed again with the remarks about the bishop. 'I think Bishop Pete has previously supported calls for an inquiry and I think it's important to note that that was in the context of his pastoral role in supporting members of the Diocese of Sheffield, who were impacted by the events at Orgreave. 'And he certainly didn't show any favour for either the police or the picketers when calling for that inquiry. 'And I don't think that that call detracts from the necessary credibility, the impartiality and independence that I believe that he will bring to this role as the chair of the inquiry, and I know that he has the backing and the support of the key stakeholders for taking forward that role.' Dame Diana said she wanted the inquiry to be done 'as quickly as possible, but as thoroughly as possible', adding that a time frame of two years was indicated in early discussions. This came in response to Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North), who asked for an 'idea of roughly how long she expects the inquiry to report'. The minister added that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has written to all police forces, the National Police Chiefs' Council, the College of Policing and all Government departments to ask that all material they hold relating to the events of Orgreave be retained. DUP MP Jim Shannon raised concerns about the 'retraumatisation' that elderly retired police officers will 'undoubtedly suffer' when asked to recall details of that day in 1984. Dame Diana said the Bishop of Sheffield will look into what support needs to be in place to help witnesses, whether they be from the police, picketers or their families.
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Nigel Farage accused of 'offensive' attack on female cops after 'big strapping officers' call
Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson has accused Nigel Farage of peddling 'divisive, outdated nonsense' after he called for 'big strapping' officers on the beat after branding Britain 'lawless' Nigel Farage has been accused of an "offensive" attack on female police officers after calling for "big strapping" officers on the beat. Labour's policing minister, Dame Diana Johnson, said female cops put themselves in harm's way every day as she branded Mr Farage's remarks "woefully out of touch" She accused him of peddling "divisive, outdated nonsense" that undermine frontline officers. The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has also leapt to their defence, saying we "must not jeopardise our progress by diminishing the value and role women play". It came after Mr Farage declared Britain was lawless and said police should look scarier. He told a press conference in London on Monday: "I think society needs, you need just that tiny little bit of fear and I think that for people out looking for trouble, and if they see a couple of big strapping police officers, they'll think, 'well, you know what, this may not be quite such a good idea'.' He said the public should be "maybe a touch fearful" of police in the same way children are of teachers. Reform MP Sarah Pochin went on to tell the BBC: "I never like to see two female police officers out together... I'd much rather see a great big strapping male police officer with a female." In response to the remarks, Dame Diana said: 'If Nigel Farage ever came to the Police Bravery Awards, he would realise how lucky we are as a country to have so many brilliant female officers who run towards danger to tackle violent criminals, and risk their own lives to keep the public safe. "Week in and week out, they put themselves in harm's way for the protection of our communities, and for Reform MPs to question their fitness for the job is not only offensive, it is woefully out of touch. Instead of undermining the police with this kind of divisive, outdated nonsense, politicians from all parties should be backing our men and women in uniform in the difficult work they do every day to keep us all safe.' And Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the NPCC, said: "Over a third of our officers and around 40% of our chief constables are women, and we must not jeopardise our progress by diminishing the value and role women play in our workforce. 'There are no roles in policing which women cannot do, and the same exacting standards to qualify are met by all men and women who undertake some of the most challenging tasks of any profession."
The Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Women facing ‘public safety crisis' as a result of immigration, Tories claim
Women and girls are facing a 'public safety crisis' as a result of the number of migrants crossing the Channel, the Conservatives have argued. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp also said the public are 'rightly sick of this illegal immigrant crime wave', but added 'violent protests' are not justified. It comes after six people were arrested following a protest outside an Essex hotel believed to house asylum seekers. A series of protests have taken place outside the Bell Hotel in Epping since 38-year-old asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was charged with sexual assault after an incident where he is alleged to have attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Thursday. Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson said it is 'vital that the criminal justice procedures are able to run their course'. She added that the Government takes any allegation of sexual assault 'incredibly serious', and it is changing the law to ensure those convicted of sexual offence are not granted asylum. In an urgent question, Mr Philp claimed 'this year has been by far the worst ever' for immigration, with 23,000 migrants crossing the Channel so far. He added: 'Numbers in asylum hotels are now higher than at the time of the election. This is a border security crisis, but it is also a public safety crisis, especially for women and girls. 'Many nationalities crossing, for example, Afghans commit up to 20 times more sex offences than average. Louise Casey made that point in her report, and now we have press reporting on the huge scale of the crime committed by illegal immigrants housed in the Government's own asylum hotels.' Mr Philp continued: 'Those crimes included multiple cases of rape, sexual assault, violence, theft and arson, including the case in Epping she referred to where a 38-year-old Ethiopian man has been charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. 'An illegal immigrant in Oxford has been convicted of raping a 20-year-old woman in a churchyard. A Sudanese man was convicted of strangling and attempting to rape a woman in a nightclub toilet in Wakefield. 'Now violent protest in response to those appalling crimes is never justified. The public, though, are rightly sick of this illegal immigrant crime wave. It has to end.' He urged the minister to 'record and publish the immigration status of all offenders', and to close the hotel in Epping. Dame Diana replied: 'Any allegation of crime or sexual assault is incredibly serious, including by individuals in the asylum system, and it is to be treated so by the authorities and treated so by this Government.' She had earlier told the Commons: 'In the first year this Government has been in office, 5,179 foreign national criminals were removed from the UK – a 14% increase on the previous year. 'That is important progress, but we want to go further. We are changing the law in the Border Security Bill to ensure individuals convicted of any registered sexual offence are not granted asylum. 'We are legislating to allow for the tagging of any migrant considered to pose a threat to public safety or national security, as well as strengthening our crackdown on illegal working, but we must go further to end hotel use.'
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Women facing ‘public safety crisis' as a result of immigration, Tories claim
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp also said the public are 'rightly sick of this illegal immigrant crime wave', but added 'violent protests' are not justified. It comes after six people were arrested following a protest outside an Essex hotel believed to house asylum seekers. A series of protests have taken place outside the Bell Hotel in Epping since 38-year-old asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was charged with sexual assault after an incident where he is alleged to have attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Thursday. Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson said it is 'vital that the criminal justice procedures are able to run their course'. She added that the Government takes any allegation of sexual assault 'incredibly serious', and it is changing the law to ensure those convicted of sexual offence are not granted asylum. In an urgent question, Mr Philp claimed 'this year has been by far the worst ever' for immigration, with 23,000 migrants crossing the Channel so far. He added: 'Numbers in asylum hotels are now higher than at the time of the election. This is a border security crisis, but it is also a public safety crisis, especially for women and girls. 'Many nationalities crossing, for example, Afghans commit up to 20 times more sex offences than average. Louise Casey made that point in her report, and now we have press reporting on the huge scale of the crime committed by illegal immigrants housed in the Government's own asylum hotels.' Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Mr Philp continued: 'Those crimes included multiple cases of rape, sexual assault, violence, theft and arson, including the case in Epping she referred to where a 38-year-old Ethiopian man has been charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. 'An illegal immigrant in Oxford has been convicted of raping a 20-year-old woman in a churchyard. A Sudanese man was convicted of strangling and attempting to rape a woman in a nightclub toilet in Wakefield. 'Now violent protest in response to those appalling crimes is never justified. The public, though, are rightly sick of this illegal immigrant crime wave. It has to end.' He urged the minister to 'record and publish the immigration status of all offenders', and to close the hotel in Epping. Dame Diana replied: 'Any allegation of crime or sexual assault is incredibly serious, including by individuals in the asylum system, and it is to be treated so by the authorities and treated so by this Government.' She had earlier told the Commons: 'In the first year this Government has been in office, 5,179 foreign national criminals were removed from the UK – a 14% increase on the previous year. 'That is important progress, but we want to go further. We are changing the law in the Border Security Bill to ensure individuals convicted of any registered sexual offence are not granted asylum. 'We are legislating to allow for the tagging of any migrant considered to pose a threat to public safety or national security, as well as strengthening our crackdown on illegal working, but we must go further to end hotel use.'
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Pubs WILL stay open late tomorrow as Brits cheer on Lionesses to victory in Euros semi-final
PUBS in England have been granted extra time to stay open late when England faces Italy in tomorrow's semi-final of the UEFA Women's Championships. Premises that would usually close at 11pm have now been granted permission to stay open until 1am. 5 The Lionesses are looking to double down on their 2022 victory Credit: Getty 5 The side beat Sweden on penalties to earn their spot in the semi-finals Credit: Getty Fans will be allowed to stay out and drink in their In anticipation of an exciting victory for the Lionesses pubs and bars all over the country will be Punters in their thousand are expected to turn up to their local pub to cheer on the girls tomorrow night. The news comes after the government announced the measure Read more in Sport It was stated that if either England or Wales made it into the semi-finals pubs up and down the country would be allowed to remain open late. Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said at the time that venues "stand to benefit" from the later closing time. Tory MP Andrew Snowden went on to joke that his father might "disown" him, had his party not backed the proposal. Pub licensing hours can be relaxed for events of "exceptional national significance" with both the semi-final and final of the Euros included under this umbrella term. Most read in Football England earned their spot in the semi-finals after Fourteen spot-kicks were taken during the tense showdown between England and Sweden. Lionesses celebrate after bonkers Euro 2025 penalty shootout win over Sweden Only five of these were scored, six saved and three missed for a conversion rate of just 35.7 per cent. The nail-biting fixture saw the England women's team earn their chance to take on Italy in tomorrow's semi-final fixture. The Lionesses have gone unbeaten against Italy in their last five games, the most recent of which was a 5-1 battering in February last year. The second The Lionesses won the Euros in 2022, beating rivals Germany 2-1, and hope to do the same this year. Their 2022 victory was hailed as "inspiring" with the team bringing football home in front of a sold out If the squad manage to progress to the final on Sunday, July 27, at 5pm UK time, the same extended hours are expected to apply to boozers across the country. 5 The side will face Italy tomorrow evening Credit: Getty 5 The England side are a strong contender to win against favourite's Spain Credit: Getty Spain, the defending world champions, are favourites to take the trophy on Sunday but The Lionesses said that until now, they have chosen to take the knee before matches. This wont be the case tomorrow night after star defender The Lionesses defender, who has 49 caps for England, announced that she will be "taking a step back from social media" as a result. The side 5 The nail-biting penalties against Sweden saw only five of fourteen shots scored Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
