Leech to press IPCC chair on police handling of G20 demonstrations

10.43.05am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 28th Apr 2009

Lib Dem MP, John Leech, is to meet later today with the chair of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), Nick Hardwick, and the all-party parliamentary group on policing to discuss a number of recent high-profile incidents that have brought the role of the Metropolitan Police under the spotlight.

The IPCC, which is responsible for dealing with complaints against the police, is currently investigating the force's handling of the G20 demonstrations, during which a bystander, Ian Tomlinson, died. Questions have also be raised about the force following the photographing of Bob Quick, the Met's Assistant Commissioner with details of a highly confidential terror raid on show, which culminated in his resignation.

John Leech said:

"Recent events seem to have cast a shadow over the work of the Metropolitan Police and this meeting will be a great opportunity to question Mr Hardwick on the role of the IPCC. I look forward to hearing how they are progressing with their investigation into Mr Tomlinson's tragic death."

"I'm also keen to hear his views on why officers at the G20 protests had their ID numbers concealed and on the effectiveness of the 'kettling' strategy in which crowds are ushered into a tight space in order to minimise disruption. I'll certainly be pressing him hard to ensure that the IPCC's investigations are thorough and delivered in a timely fashion."

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Notes to editors

1. The APPG on Policing meeting is to take place on 28th April 2009 at the House of Commons