Latest news with #policeinquiry
The Independent
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
JD Vance denies social media request report
Locals near the Hamlet of Dean, near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, have complained about police inquiries into their personal details and social media accounts during U.S. Vice President JD Vance 's holiday. JD Vance 's team denied any knowledge of police efforts to collect residents' social media information, stating they were unaware. Thames Valley Police denied instructing officers to ask for social media details, clarifying that conversations were voluntary and for facilitating movement during temporary road restrictions. Residents described significant security measures, including roadblocks and police door knocks, which disrupted the usual calm of the Cotswolds village. Vance has since travelled to Scotland for the second part of his holiday, where he was met by pro-Palestine protesters, following similar anti-Vance demonstrations in the Cotswolds.
BBC News
7 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Chair of Sheku Bayoh inquiry refuses to step down
The chairperson of the Sheku Bayoh inquiry has refused a request to step down after the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) questioned his organisation, which represents rank and file officers, had raised concerns about Lord Bracadale's private meetings with the family of Mr BayohThe father-of-two was 31 when he died in May 2015 after being restrained by six police officers in Kirkcaldy, SPF claimed the meetings "torpedoed the independence of the chair" but Lord Bracadale said the family's participation in the inquiry was vital. The former judge has now concluded the five family meetings were "private but not secret" and not unfair to the inquiry process. However, the issue might not be over as the SPF could challenge the decision through a judicial review in the civil Bracadale's decision comes after a hearing in June where the opinion of all the parties represented at the inquiry was aired. A spokeswoman for the inquiry said: "After careful consideration of written and oral submissions from core participants, Lord Bracadale has decided not to recuse himself or terminate the appointments of the assessors."Having regard to the relevant legal test he has determined there is no apparent bias. "Taking into account various considerations in respect of the handling of the Inquiry, he has determined having meetings with the families was not unfair."Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: "I note the detailed and extensive consideration that has informed Lord Bracadale's decision and hope all parties involved can progress the important work of the inquiry as soon as possible."The Scottish government remains committed to establishing the facts surrounding the circumstances leading to Mr Bayoh's death. "However, as it is vital all public inquiries operate independently of government, it would be inappropriate of me to comment any further."
The Independent
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Sheku Bayoh Inquiry to consider application for recusal of chairman
The Sheku Bayoh Inquiry is set to consider issues around fairness from the chairman, in a procedural hearing, after it emerged he met the grieving family several times. Sheku Bayoh, 31, a father-of-two, died after he was restrained by around six police officers who were called to Hayfield Road in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on May 3, 2015. The Crown Office decided not to take legal action against the police involved following an investigation, but the circumstances are being examined at the inquiry. The procedural hearing on Thursday and Friday was ordered by chairman Lord Bracadale to consider an application for his own recusal. It will take place at Capital House in Edinburgh. It comes after Lord Bracadale revealed he has met with the family of Mr Bayoh on at least five occasions since the inquiry began. The family's lawyer, Aamer Anwar, suggested the procedural hearing alone could 'cost the public purse in excess of £1 million'. The hearing follows an application for recusal of the chairman and an assessor on behalf of the Scottish Police Federation, Pc Craig Walker and Nicole Short. Recusal is the legal process by which a judge or other adjudicator steps aside from participating in a case due to potential bias, conflict of interest, or lack of impartiality. Mr Anwar said on behalf of the family: 'The procedural hearing follows an application for recusal of the chair and an assessor on behalf of the Scottish Police Federation, Pc Craig Walker and Nicole Short. 'The hearing will focus on the fairness of the conduct and procedure adopted by the chair in meeting the families of Sheku Bayoh. 'For the record, it is Lord Bracadale who has ordered this hearing. The inquiry will hear oral submissions from core participants. 'All core participants must publicly state their position as to whether they wish the chair to step down – it will be noted by the family as to what position all the public bodies such as Crown Office and the chief constable will adopt, as they have made a great deal over the years about being fully supportive of the public inquiry. 'The Bayoh family believe the federation and those hanging on to their coat-tails do so at the 11th hour, in a pathetic and desperate attempt to sabotage the inquiry. 'The family have watched so many parties who have literally sat on their hands for over 122 days of evidence, never publicly asking a question at a huge legal cost of £20 million to the public, yet this hearing in terms of police lawyers could cost the public in excess of £1 million.' He said the family are 'not giving up' and that 10 years on from Mr Bayoh's death they will 'once more call-out the dangerous arrogance of a criminal justice system that does not like accountability'. The Scottish Police Federation, Crown Office and Police Scotland have been asked for comment.
