In October 2024, the Free Speech Union came to the aid of Rick Prior, the elected Chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation, after he was suspended for saying that rank-and-file officers had become so fearful of complaints of racism — and potentially losing their jobs — that they no longer dared challenge allegations of racism, particularly when made by people of colour.
According to Prior, some officers were reluctant to intervene when they suspected a crime was being committed if the perpetrator was a black or brown person for fear of being accused of racism.
Fortunately, with our support, Rick Prior won his
Given the circumstance of Henry Nowak's death, it's clear that Rick Prior was right to raise these concerns.
The police have overcorrected in response to the perception that the force is institutionally racist, and that needs to be addressed.
People like Rick Prior — and other elected federation chairs — must be free to speak out about what they believe has gone wrong and propose common-sense solutions without risking suspension or dismissal.
The lack of free speech within policing on these issues has contributed to the current state of affairs in which officers appear to be more concerned about not following up accusations of racism than protecting people from violent criminals.
Watch the Free Speech Union’s General Secretary, Lord Young, below 👇