To protect public safety, we rely on the police to consider the evidence and then to reach reasoned decisions.We have been watching carefully the West Midlands Police’s response to questions about their unprecedented recommendation to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending their team’s match against Aston Villa – a decision condemned by the Jewish community and across the political spectrum.
It seems that the police reached a decision first, and then searched for evidence to justify it, apparently influenced by the threat posed by local extremists.
It is also apparent that claims about the previous behaviour of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were unsubstantiated or erroneous.
The Police excluded (having initially included) any assessment of the significant risk to the Jewish community, and claimed to have consulted the local community in advance of the decision, which they had not.
In light of these events, significant harm has been done to the confidence of the Jewish community in the Police. Action must be taken to ensure that these failures do not recur and to restore trust. Accountability matters. Considering the Chief Constable’s role in these events, a change of leadership is essential.
If the Chief Constable does not step aside, responsibility lies with central government to intervene.
Jewish leadership organisations call for West Midlands Police’s Chief Constable, Craig Guildford to go
