I’ve just heard Jenny Jones on BBC News 24 where she seemed to say that Sir Ian Blair’s critics “don’t understand him” and suggest his critics in the force should go. Now, I like Jenny but on this I’m afraid she’s simply wrong.
Firstly many of us do understand what he’s done – he’s undermined confidence in the impartiality of the force by being seen to be too close to politicians and the speed in which his namesake rushes out statements of support whenever the Commissioner is attacked serves only to fuel this impression. For the sake of his own credibility Sir Ian should ask Downing Street not to keep rushing to his rescue.
As for the idea that his critics in the force should go, no-one should ever work in a criticism free environment. Every organisation needs people who question specific policies and initiatives – this has always been a part of robust decision making and is essential if the London public are to have confidence in any initiative which comes out of New Scotland Yard.
