Met chief backs officers over Graham Linehan arrest row, but says they shouldn’t ‘police toxic culture wars’
Met Police chief says officers in ‘impossible position’ over anti-trans posts
- Comedian Graham Linehan was arrested at Heathrow Airport over anti-trans posts on X, claiming he was treated "like a terrorist" by five armed officers.
- Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley defended the officers' actions but said the force should not "police toxic culture wars debates" and called for a change in the law.
- Sir Mark said police were currently in an “impossible position” and proposed they only take action on social media abuse where there is a "clear risk of harm or disorder".
- Both Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting said that police should prioritise street crime, anti-social behaviour, and serious violence over social media posts.
- Linehan was released on bail with a condition not to use X and faces a further interview in October, in addition to separate charges for harassing a transgender activist and damaging her phone.