Latest news with #OperationBridger
Spectator
a day ago
- Politics
- Spectator
Exclusive: Met won't prosecute Kneecap over ‘Kill your MP'
How low is too low? Kneecap seem determined to find out, judging by their never-ending mission to troll the UK. But last month even the West Belfast trio seemed to go too far, after videos emerged of them calling for the death of British MPs and shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'. It prompted a grovelling statement from the band, insisting that they had never supported either terrorist group and would not incite violence against any individual. Real hard men, eh? Of course, cynics suggested that Kneecap's capitulation had less to do with genuine remorse and concern for the likes of David Amess's family, and more to do with the very real fear of a police investigation. But now the not-so-funny trio can sleep easy, for Steerpike has checked and counter-terror police have confirmed they will not be charging the group. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: A thorough investigation has now been completed by detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command, which included interviewing an individual under caution and seeking early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service. A range of offences were considered as part of the investigation. However, given the time elapsed between the events in the video and the video being brought to police attention, any potential summary only offences were beyond the statutory time limit for prosecution. Relevant indictable offences were considered by the investigation team and, based on all of the current evidence available, a decision has been made that no further action will be taken at this time. The spokesman added that 'the safety and security of MPs is something that is taken extremely seriously across the whole of policing'. Parliamentarians concerned about their safety are told to 'contact their dedicated local Operation Bridger officer.' Talk about cold comfort…
South Wales Guardian
15-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Starmer condemns ‘attack on our democracy' after fires at homes linked to PM
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the attacks as 'completely unacceptable' as the two party leaders began their weekly clash at Prime Minister's Questions. 'I think I speak for the whole house when I say that this wasn't just an attack on him, but on all of us and on our democracy,' the Tory leader added. Sir Keir thanked the opposition leader for contacting him 'pretty well straight away' to lend her support. The Prime Minister added: 'I really do appreciate that, and she's absolutely right that this is an attack on all of us, on democracy and the values that we stand for.' Police are continuing their investigation into the attacks on the properties and a car linked to Sir Keir. A 21-year-old was arrested at an address in Sydenham, south-east London, in the early hours of Tuesday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, the Metropolitan Police said. On Wednesday officers were granted permission to hold him for another 36 hours after applying to magistrates for a warrant of further detention. Counter-terrorism officers are working 'at pace' to establish the cause of the fires and 'any potential motivation', Scotland Yard said. In the Commons, other political leaders also offered their support to the PM amid the ongoing investigation. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'Can I offer our support to the Prime Minister and his family after the appalling arson attacks on his home. 'And can I echo his thanks to our brilliant police and firefighters.' The 21-year-old suspect remained in custody at a London police station as of Tuesday evening. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's counter-terrorism command, acknowledged the probe may cause concern to MPs. 'I would encourage any MP who is concerned about their own safety to get in touch with their dedicated local Operation Bridger officer, who can provide further advice and support,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. On Monday, a police cordon and officers, as well as investigators from London Fire Brigade (LFB), could be seen outside the Kentish Town property where the Prime Minister used to live. The Met said residents could expect an increased police presence in the coming days. Neighbours described hearing a loud bang and said police officers were looking for a projectile. Police were alerted by the LFB to reports of a fire at the residential address at 1.35am. Damage was caused to the property's entrance but nobody was hurt. In the early hours of Sunday, firefighters dealt with a small fire at the front door of a house converted into flats in nearby Islington, which is also linked to Sir Keir. One person was assisted to safety via an internal staircase by crews wearing breathing apparatus, LFB said. The car fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday May 8, in the same street as the Kentish Town property.
Glasgow Times
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Starmer condemns ‘attack on our democracy' after fires at homes linked to PM
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the attacks as 'completely unacceptable' as the two party leaders began their weekly clash at Prime Minister's Questions. 'I think I speak for the whole house when I say that this wasn't just an attack on him, but on all of us and on our democracy,' the Tory leader added. A screengrab from a video of firefighters tackling a burning car in the same north London street where Sir Keir Starmer has a property (Linda Perry/PA) Sir Keir thanked the opposition leader for contacting him 'pretty well straight away' to lend her support. The Prime Minister added: 'I really do appreciate that, and she's absolutely right that this is an attack on all of us, on democracy and the values that we stand for.' Police are continuing their investigation into the attacks on the properties and a car linked to Sir Keir. A 21-year-old was arrested at an address in Sydenham, south-east London, in the early hours of Tuesday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, the Metropolitan Police said. On Wednesday officers were granted permission to hold him for another 36 hours after applying to magistrates for a warrant of further detention. Counter-terrorism officers are working 'at pace' to establish the cause of the fires and 'any potential motivation', Scotland Yard said. In the Commons, other political leaders also offered their support to the PM amid the ongoing investigation. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'Can I offer our support to the Prime Minister and his family after the appalling arson attacks on his home. 'And can I echo his thanks to our brilliant police and firefighters.' Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey speaking during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA) The 21-year-old suspect remained in custody at a London police station as of Tuesday evening. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's counter-terrorism command, acknowledged the probe may cause concern to MPs. 'I would encourage any MP who is concerned about their own safety to get in touch with their dedicated local Operation Bridger officer, who can provide further advice and support,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. On Monday, a police cordon and officers, as well as investigators from London Fire Brigade (LFB), could be seen outside the Kentish Town property where the Prime Minister used to live. The Met said residents could expect an increased police presence in the coming days. Neighbours described hearing a loud bang and said police officers were looking for a projectile. Police were alerted by the LFB to reports of a fire at the residential address at 1.35am. Damage was caused to the property's entrance but nobody was hurt. In the early hours of Sunday, firefighters dealt with a small fire at the front door of a house converted into flats in nearby Islington, which is also linked to Sir Keir. One person was assisted to safety via an internal staircase by crews wearing breathing apparatus, LFB said. The car fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday May 8, in the same street as the Kentish Town property.
Powys County Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Starmer condemns ‘attack on our democracy' after fires at homes linked to PM
Arson attacks on properties linked to the Prime Minister are 'an attack on all of us, on democracy and the values that we stand for', Sir Keir Starmer has told the House of Commons. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the attacks as 'completely unacceptable' as the two party leaders began their weekly clash at Prime Minister's Questions. 'I think I speak for the whole house when I say that this wasn't just an attack on him, but on all of us and on our democracy,' the Tory leader added. Sir Keir thanked the opposition leader for contacting him 'pretty well straight away' to lend her support. The Prime Minister added: 'I really do appreciate that, and she's absolutely right that this is an attack on all of us, on democracy and the values that we stand for.' Police are continuing their investigation into the attacks on the properties and a car linked to Sir Keir. A 21-year-old was arrested at an address in Sydenham, south-east London, in the early hours of Tuesday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, the Metropolitan Police said. On Wednesday officers were granted permission to hold him for another 36 hours after applying to magistrates for a warrant of further detention. Counter-terrorism officers are working 'at pace' to establish the cause of the fires and 'any potential motivation', Scotland Yard said. In the Commons, other political leaders also offered their support to the PM amid the ongoing investigation. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'Can I offer our support to the Prime Minister and his family after the appalling arson attacks on his home. 'And can I echo his thanks to our brilliant police and firefighters.' The 21-year-old suspect remained in custody at a London police station as of Tuesday evening. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's counter-terrorism command, acknowledged the probe may cause concern to MPs. 'I would encourage any MP who is concerned about their own safety to get in touch with their dedicated local Operation Bridger officer, who can provide further advice and support,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. On Monday, a police cordon and officers, as well as investigators from London Fire Brigade (LFB), could be seen outside the Kentish Town property where the Prime Minister used to live. The Met said residents could expect an increased police presence in the coming days. Neighbours described hearing a loud bang and said police officers were looking for a projectile. Police were alerted by the LFB to reports of a fire at the residential address at 1.35am. Damage was caused to the property's entrance but nobody was hurt. In the early hours of Sunday, firefighters dealt with a small fire at the front door of a house converted into flats in nearby Islington, which is also linked to Sir Keir. One person was assisted to safety via an internal staircase by crews wearing breathing apparatus, LFB said. The car fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday May 8, in the same street as the Kentish Town property.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Starmer condemns fires as 'attack on democracy'
Sir Keir Starmer has told MPs suspected arson attacks on properties linked to him are "an attack on all of us, on democracy and the values that we stand for". Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the attacks as "completely unacceptable" at the beginning of their weekly Prime Minister's Questions clash. Police are continuing their investigation into the fires at north London properties and a car linked to Sir Keir. Officers have been granted 36 hours extra time to question a 21-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, in the early hours of Tuesday at an address in Sydenham, south-east London. A warrant of further detention was granted at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, meaning the suspect can be questioned until Friday morning, and he remains in custody at a London police station. Counter-terrorism officers are working "at pace" to establish the cause of the fires and "any potential motivation", Scotland Yard said. At Prime Minister's Questions, Badenoch told the PM: "I think I speak for the whole house when I say that this wasn't just an attack on him, but on all of us and on our democracy." Sir Keir thanked the opposition leader for contacting him "pretty well straight away" to lend her support. In his first comments since the attacks, the prime minister said: "I really do appreciate that, and she's absolutely right that this is an attack on all of us, on democracy and the values that we stand for." Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: "Can I offer our support to the prime minister and his family after the appalling arson attacks on his home. "And can I echo his thanks to our brilliant police and firefighters." Emergency services responded to a fire at the prime minister's private home in Kentish Town, north London, early on Monday. On Sunday, crews were called to a small fire at the front door of a house converted into flats in nearby Islington - a property Sir Keir is understood to have lived in during the 1990s. Police are also looking at a car fire which took place on Thursday on the same street as the Kentish Town property. It is understood that the car used to belong to Sir Keir. The prime minister is understood to still own the home in Kentish Town but lives in Downing Street. He lived there before the 2024 general election and it has been rented out since then. Counter-terrorism police are leading the inquiry and are treating the fires as suspicious. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism command, acknowledged the probe may cause concern to MPs. He encouraged any of them worried about their safety to get in touch with Operation Bridger, the specialist unit set up to protect MPs. Arrest over suspected arson on properties linked to Keir Starmer
