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Tory MP arrest methods questioned Tory MP arrest methods questioned
(about 2 hours later)
A review into the arrest of Tory MP Damian Green "raises concerns" about the police methods used, the man in charge of the inquiry has said.A review into the arrest of Tory MP Damian Green "raises concerns" about the police methods used, the man in charge of the inquiry has said.
But Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick said he was pleased the review found the arrest and searches were "lawful".But Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick said he was pleased the review found the arrest and searches were "lawful".
Mr Green was arrested in November and his Commons office searched, as part of an inquiry into Home Office leaks.Mr Green was arrested in November and his Commons office searched, as part of an inquiry into Home Office leaks.
MPs were angry police were allowed to search Parliament. British Transport Police reviewed the police inquiry.MPs were angry police were allowed to search Parliament. British Transport Police reviewed the police inquiry.
BTP have now handed their findings to Scotland Yard. BTP have now handed their findings to Scotland Yard but Mr Quick said it would not be published because "it relates to an ongoing criminal investigation".
'Lawful' searches'Lawful' searches
The BBC understands that Scotland Yard is still considering all options in the leaks investigation, including the possibility that it will be wound up. But no decision is thought to be imminent.The BBC understands that Scotland Yard is still considering all options in the leaks investigation, including the possibility that it will be wound up. But no decision is thought to be imminent.
Mr Quick, who headed the investigation, said he welcomed assurances in the review by BTP Chief Constable Ian Johnston that "the arrests and searches were lawful".Mr Quick, who headed the investigation, said he welcomed assurances in the review by BTP Chief Constable Ian Johnston that "the arrests and searches were lawful".
He also raises concerns as to whether elements of the investigative approach meet current policy and best practice Assistant Commissioner Bob QuickMetropolitan PoliceHe also raises concerns as to whether elements of the investigative approach meet current policy and best practice Assistant Commissioner Bob QuickMetropolitan Police
But he added: "He recognises that there are arguments, either way, regarding proportionality over the manner of arrest of a Member of Parliament but questions the method taken in this case".But he added: "He recognises that there are arguments, either way, regarding proportionality over the manner of arrest of a Member of Parliament but questions the method taken in this case".
"He also raises concerns as to whether elements of the investigative approach meet current policy and best practice. These issues will be carefully considered.""He also raises concerns as to whether elements of the investigative approach meet current policy and best practice. These issues will be carefully considered."
He added that the review notes "that police investigations can be especially challenging when faced with Parliamentary rights and freedoms".He added that the review notes "that police investigations can be especially challenging when faced with Parliamentary rights and freedoms".
Political rowPolitical row
It suggests the force should work with the "relevant authorities to develop guidance to inform future decisions and actions in such circumstances".It suggests the force should work with the "relevant authorities to develop guidance to inform future decisions and actions in such circumstances".
A Conservative Party spokesman said Mr Green had done nothing wrong and the party hoped the matter could be "resolved speedily".
He added: "This statement shows that there were very serious failings in the police operation against him."
Clearly it is acutely embarrassing Andrew MackinlayLabour MP
Former shadow home secretary David Davis, said the report should be published in full as quickly as possible adding: "This is clearly a highly critical report and should not be buried on a day when there is lots of other home affairs news."
And Labour backbencher Andrew Mackinlay also called for the report to be published in full: "Clearly it is acutely embarrassing.
"They are hiding behind the excuse of 'ongoing criminal proceedings' to hide that embarrassment."
Mr Green was arrested and questioned for nine hours last month.Mr Green was arrested and questioned for nine hours last month.
It followed the arrest of a Home Office civil servant, Christopher Galley, who is suspected of passing leaked information to Mr Green. Both men were released on bail without charge.It followed the arrest of a Home Office civil servant, Christopher Galley, who is suspected of passing leaked information to Mr Green. Both men were released on bail without charge.
The arrest and search of his Commons office, including his computer, prompted a huge political row. Some believed police had broken rules laid down in 1642 after Charles I sent soldiers to arrest MPs.The arrest and search of his Commons office, including his computer, prompted a huge political row. Some believed police had broken rules laid down in 1642 after Charles I sent soldiers to arrest MPs.
Others were concerned police may have had access to emails, arguing the confidence between an MP and his constituents may have been breached.Others were concerned police may have had access to emails, arguing the confidence between an MP and his constituents may have been breached.
Commons Speaker Michael Martin was criticised after it emerged police were let in to search Parliament without a warrant.Commons Speaker Michael Martin was criticised after it emerged police were let in to search Parliament without a warrant.
And a promised Parliamentary inquiry into what happened is being boycotted by the Tories and Lib Dems because the government want to delay it until after the police inquiry has concluded.And a promised Parliamentary inquiry into what happened is being boycotted by the Tories and Lib Dems because the government want to delay it until after the police inquiry has concluded.
Two other Commons committees, the home affairs and the public administration committees, will both examine aspects of the case.Two other Commons committees, the home affairs and the public administration committees, will both examine aspects of the case.