Statement from Mayor of London on launch of New Met for London plan

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “As Mayor, I’ve been determined to shine a spotlight on the true extent of the performance and cultural problems within the Met. This pressure has resulted in a new Commissioner, Baroness Casey’s review and now this new plan from the new Commissioner to address the deep-rooted issues that have been exposed.   

“We’ve already ensured progress is underway with a new leadership team at the Met committed to change. This new plan is an important step on the road to reform - putting the Met on a path of far-reaching systematic and cultural reform, which will mean police officers unfit to serve always being dealt with robustly, stricter checks to become a police officer, greater support for victims of crime and a real focus on neighbourhood policing. I’m determined to ensure the Met rebuilds trust with Londoners and takes a new and encouraging community-first approach, where police officers listen, understand and respond to the needs and concerns of London’s communities, particularly those who have been let down for far too long.  

“Londoners will rightly judge this plan on actions not words, and I will be unflinching in holding the Met and the Commissioner to account and supporting him to deliver. The Met has many committed, professional police officers and staff who want to be part of this change. I see police reform as a critical part of my mayoralty and I will not be satisfied until Londoners have the police service they deserve – one that is trusted, representative of London and delivers the highest possible service to every community in our city as we continue to build a safer London for everyone.”