Black group boycotts 'racist' force

2:54pm Monday 6th October 2008

The Metropolitan Black Police Association has said it would "actively discourage" new recruits from joining Britain's largest force, claiming it had "a hostile atmosphere where racism is allowed to spread".

The association said that from Monday it would boycott all recruitment drives initiated by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to attract black and ethnic minority recruits and police staff.

"The Metropolitan Police under the current management and supervision of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) have made the working environment for its existing black staff a hostile atmosphere where racism is allowed to spread and those who challenge it are either suspended, told to shut up or subtly held back in relation to career development," its statement said.

"We would be failing in our duty as an association if we did not share our current experiences with those who want to join the MPS.

"The boycott and our active discouragement will continue during Black History Month and beyond until the Metropolitan Police leadership and the MPA convince us that they care about race and equality for its workforce and the people of London.

"We will not put up or shut up to racism and inequality."

The association pledged "to take out a series of actions in the foreseeable future in support of our goal".

The Society of Black Lawyers - which has requested the Equality and Human Rights Commission investigate allegations of racism within the MPS and MPA - has backed the boycott.

Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said: "I very much regret the Met BPA's decision and we must find a way to work through this together.

"Much has been achieved since the Macpherson report was published but I am not complacent and recognise more must be done not only by us but also with the Met BPA's full support and engagement."

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