Following today’s publication of the findings of Lady Elish Angiolini’s inquiry into Sarah Everard’s murder, Caroline Russell AM, Chair of the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee, said:
“The findings published today in Lady Elish Angiolini’s inquiry are damning and leave the Met with yet more questions to answer.
“The crimes committed by Wayne Couzens were horrific, and made worse by the fact they were carried out by someone entrusted with protecting members of the public.
“When the Commissioner launched his A New Met for London plan last year, he outlined the scale of the culture shift needed to repair the relationship with Londoners and help them feel safe.
“These findings confirm the urgency of the task the Commissioner faces, and raise serious questions about the vetting processes that were in place. It is also hugely concerning to hear yet more detail of the misogynistic culture, which was highlighted in the Baroness Casey Review as a key issue within the Met.
“Londoners expect the Met to keep them safe, and the inaction of the Met when faced with the actions of Wayne Couzens has drastically affected the trust Londoners have in the Met.
“Our Committee has and will continue to hold the Met and the Mayor to account for how London is policed. The Met must use these findings to ensure this does not ever happen again.
“Sarah will forever be remembered, and our thoughts remain with her family and friends.”
Notes to editors
- Caroline Russell AM, Chair of the Police and Crime Committee, is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the Police and Crime Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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