PM and Cooper pile pressure on police over revealing suspects’ details as transparency row deepens
Home Secretary says police should reveal suspects’ nationalities
- Senior political figures, including the Prime Minister and Home Secretary, are urging police forces to increase transparency regarding details of criminal suspects.
- Yvette Cooper is developing new guidance for police to routinely disclose the nationality and asylum status of individuals charged with crimes, aligning with calls from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
- The controversy escalated after Warwickshire Police declined to release the immigration status of two men – reported to be Afghan asylum seekers – charged in connection with the alleged rape of a 12-year-old in Nuneaton, citing national guidelines.
- Advocates for increased transparency argue it is essential for rebuilding public trust, combating misinformation, and addressing public concerns amid ongoing protests related to asylum seeker accommodation.
- Both the College of Policing and the Law Commission are reviewing existing guidance and rules concerning the release of information by police.