Ghaffur settles Met racism claim

Tarique Ghaffur will receive a pay-off of about £300,000 (pa)

Britain's most senior Asian police officer agreed an out-of-court settlement today in his race claim against Scotland Yard.

Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur will receive a pay-off of about £300,000 and his full pension after 34 years in policing, it is understood.

A secret deal was finally signed off after weeks of acrimonious behind-the-scenes legal wrangling between Mr Ghaffur and representatives of Britain's largest force.

Mr Ghaffur has withdrawn claims that Commissioner Sir Ian Blair and a second senior officer acted in a racist or discriminatory way towards him, a Metropolitan Police Authority spokesman said.

A statement was issued on behalf of Mr Ghaffur, Sir Ian and Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Bryan, the Met and Police Authority today.

It said: "The parties to the litigation between Mr Ghaffur, Sir Ian and Mr Bryan wish to state that terms have been agreed bringing this litigation to an end.

"The Metropolitan Police Authority has paid a sum of money in settlement of Mr Ghaffur's claims, including contractual obligations, and a contribution to his legal costs.

"Mr Ghaffur has withdrawn the proceedings and his claims that Sir Ian and Mr Bryan acted in a racist or other discriminatory way towards him.

"The Metropolitan Police Authority and the Commissioner wish to acknowledge the important service of Mr Ghaffur in the Metropolitan Police and his significant contribution to operational policing nationally during his 34-year career.

"They recognise the hurt which he has felt over the past 18 months. Mr Ghaffur will retire from the Metropolitan Police on November 27, 2008."

The senior officer signed a gagging clause and will step down from his role at the Metropolitan Police on Thursday.

Mr Ghaffur was effectively suspended in September after publicly announcing he was suing his employer for racial discrimination.

In a press conference he claimed he was sidelined, discriminated against and humiliated in his role as boss of security planning for the 2012 Olympics.

The senior officer pointed the finger of blame squarely at Sir Ian. Mr Ghaffur claimed to have compiled a damning dossier of evidence dating back several years.

He said: "I'm not seeking massive monetary benefits and I do not have grievances against the whole of the Met, an organisation that I dearly love and admire."

The allegations sparked the biggest police race row since the MacPherson report, which followed the murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence.

It led to a boycott of ethnic minority recruitment by the Metropolitan Black Police Association.

In the following weeks, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced an assessment of how ethnic minority officers are treated in police forces throughout England and Wales.

London Mayor Boris Johnson also launched an inquiry into alleged racism within the Metropolitan Police.

The agreement will come as a relief to Deputy Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson. who takes over as acting chief on Monday following Sir Ian's resignation.

Mr Ghaffur's race claim became embroiled in further controversy when it emerged that two close advisers were under investigation in connection with other matters.

His solicitor, Shahrokh Mireskandari, of Dean & Dean, is under investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Commander Ali Dizaei, a close confidant and supporter of Mr Ghaffur, is suspended pending three inquiries into alleged misconduct.

A close friend of Mr Ghaffur said the officer was almost driven to walking away from the negotiating table.

He accused the Met of repeatedly "moving the goalposts" as they requested a string of expensive legal meetings.

The friend said: "Once the leadership had changed there was no argument. It was Blair making the moves and the running.

"Tarique also wants to move on, because he realises there is no way back, rather than dragging things out for months.

"Also his legal fees. They were racking up legal fees for him that were difficult for him to meet. There was no reason once Blair had gone to carry on fighting."

The friend said Mr Ghaffur is considering establishing a safety foundation supporting vulnerable people including ethnic minorities, abused women and the poor.

He said: "It is something people feel very strongly about - if they live in a safe environment. It will give people leadership and direction."