Menu
25/06/2004
Blunkett threatens legal action over Westwood row
Home Secretary David Blunkett has stood by his decision to demand that Humberside Police Authority suspend Chief Constable David Westwood, and said that he may seek legal action to enforce it.
Mr Blunkett called for the suspension of the Humberside Chief Constable following a damning report by Sir Michael Bichard which found "shocking" and "very and serious" errors surrounding his force's handling of intelligence and records checking in relation to Ian Huntley.
Responding to the Bichard report in the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Blunkett said his suspension demand was taken in the light of the powers in the 1996 Police Act, as amended in the 2002 Police Reform Act.
However, the Humberside Police Authority has backed their chief constable and asked Mr Blunkett to reconsider his decision.
It was also suggested that the Home Secretary does not possess the necessary powers to force the authority's hand.
Commenting on Humberside Police Authority’s decision today, the Home Secretary, David Blunkett, said that his decision had been taken after "considerable thought, advice, and discussion".
He said today: "Having gone through the detailed process and having weighed the facts very carefully I decided that the enormity of the evidence provided in Sir Michael’s report and in particular the issue of systemic and corporate responsibility, warranted the initiation of these powers.
"I have looked again at my decision in the light of the Police Authority’s request this morning that I reconsider. But in the absence of any new arguments, I have decided to maintain my decision and I now call upon the authority to comply with the law and suspend Mr Westwood. If they do not, I will be taking the necessary legal steps at the earliest opportunity at the beginning of next week to require them to do so."
The Home Secretary added: "I should emphasise that I have not required the police authority to sack Mr Westwood. I have initiated a process under a protocol which is fully agreed with the Association of Police Authorities. Mr Westwood will have every opportunity to make representations in the course of this process."
David Westwood has steadfastly resisted any suggestion that he should resign, and instead pledged to oversee the implementation of the Bichard recommendations.
(gmcg)
Mr Blunkett called for the suspension of the Humberside Chief Constable following a damning report by Sir Michael Bichard which found "shocking" and "very and serious" errors surrounding his force's handling of intelligence and records checking in relation to Ian Huntley.
Responding to the Bichard report in the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Blunkett said his suspension demand was taken in the light of the powers in the 1996 Police Act, as amended in the 2002 Police Reform Act.
However, the Humberside Police Authority has backed their chief constable and asked Mr Blunkett to reconsider his decision.
It was also suggested that the Home Secretary does not possess the necessary powers to force the authority's hand.
Commenting on Humberside Police Authority’s decision today, the Home Secretary, David Blunkett, said that his decision had been taken after "considerable thought, advice, and discussion".
He said today: "Having gone through the detailed process and having weighed the facts very carefully I decided that the enormity of the evidence provided in Sir Michael’s report and in particular the issue of systemic and corporate responsibility, warranted the initiation of these powers.
"I have looked again at my decision in the light of the Police Authority’s request this morning that I reconsider. But in the absence of any new arguments, I have decided to maintain my decision and I now call upon the authority to comply with the law and suspend Mr Westwood. If they do not, I will be taking the necessary legal steps at the earliest opportunity at the beginning of next week to require them to do so."
The Home Secretary added: "I should emphasise that I have not required the police authority to sack Mr Westwood. I have initiated a process under a protocol which is fully agreed with the Association of Police Authorities. Mr Westwood will have every opportunity to make representations in the course of this process."
David Westwood has steadfastly resisted any suggestion that he should resign, and instead pledged to oversee the implementation of the Bichard recommendations.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 June 2004
Blunkett invokes High Court in top cop suspension row
The row over the future of underfire Humberside police chief David Westwood has entered the High Court, after the Home Secretary lodged papers last night asking the court to "enforce the law and grant a hearing".
Blunkett invokes High Court in top cop suspension row
The row over the future of underfire Humberside police chief David Westwood has entered the High Court, after the Home Secretary lodged papers last night asking the court to "enforce the law and grant a hearing".
22 June 2004
Humberside Chief Constable intends to stay in post
The Chief Constable of Humberside police is defiantly remaining in his post after the Home Secretary today called on the Humberside Police Authority to suspend him.
Humberside Chief Constable intends to stay in post
The Chief Constable of Humberside police is defiantly remaining in his post after the Home Secretary today called on the Humberside Police Authority to suspend him.
10 September 2004
Underfire Humberside police chief to take early retirement
The Humberside police chief who defied the Home Secretary's demands that he resign following criticisms outlined in the Bichard report into the Soham murders has agreed to retire next year.
Underfire Humberside police chief to take early retirement
The Humberside police chief who defied the Home Secretary's demands that he resign following criticisms outlined in the Bichard report into the Soham murders has agreed to retire next year.
11 April 2003
School-leavers encouraged toward voluntary work
Young people from low-income backgrounds are to get extra support to become volunteers for a year after they finish school, college or training.
School-leavers encouraged toward voluntary work
Young people from low-income backgrounds are to get extra support to become volunteers for a year after they finish school, college or training.
01 November 2005
Blunkett faces increasing pressure
David Blunkett is facing increasing pressure as new allegations that he breached the ministerial code of conduct emerged. On Tuesday, ‘The Times’ revealed that Mr Blunkett had failed to heed the advice of three separate letters, from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, regarding taking jobs while out of the Cabinet.
Blunkett faces increasing pressure
David Blunkett is facing increasing pressure as new allegations that he breached the ministerial code of conduct emerged. On Tuesday, ‘The Times’ revealed that Mr Blunkett had failed to heed the advice of three separate letters, from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, regarding taking jobs while out of the Cabinet.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
