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Lord Sharpe of Epsom (Con)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 22 October 2024

Debate

Police: Firearms Officers

Contribution

My Lords, first, I thank all the armed police officers who serve, particularly those who protect us in this House. As the noble Lord, Lord Hogan-Howe, said, this is indeed a tragic situation. But yesterday Sergeant Martyn Blake was exonerated fully. As another accused and exonerated officer, Tony Long, writes today in the Telegraph: “The public is only now finding out the whole truth about Chris Kaba”. He says of Mr Kaba’s fellow gang members that “they should have all benefited from anonymity, granted by the courts, while Martyn Blake was denied the same privilege, isn’t just ironic, it’s a national disgrace. I agree. What steps will the Minister take to reassure current firearms officers so that they have the confidence that they can carry out their duties with the support and backing they deserve?

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