Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, criticized the Tory leadership candidates and Reform UK for undermining faith in the police by supporting claims of “two-tier policing”. This theory suggests bias in policing towards leftwing or minority protesters. Cooper highlighted the dangerous narrative spread by far-right figures during the summer riots, which accused the police of favoring certain groups over others. She warned against the harmful impact of such claims on respect for law and order.
Cooper pointed out that statements undermining the police integrity were a sacking offense for the Tory home secretary last year, but have now become an article of faith for the current Tory leadership contenders, with some explicitly endorsing the two-tier policing idea. This alignment with Reform UK’s narrative of two-tier policing is seen as a tactic to create fear, division, and anger within communities.
The speech at the Labour conference was also used as an opportunity to address the need for more support for the police, especially after they were attacked during the riots. Cooper’s remarks come as the Tories, along with Reform UK, continue to push a narrative of distrust in law enforcement. The focus on two-tier policing and the allegations surrounding it are perceived as a strategy to weaken the authority of the police and break the bonds that keep communities safe.
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