The federal government wants to take a look at whether or not police are “getting the balance right”, Wes Streeting has mentioned after the arrest of the co-writer of Father Ted over posts on social media.
Graham Linehan, who additionally created the Black Books and The IT Crowd comedies, mentioned on Tuesday he was arrested at Heathrow Airport over posts on X sharing his views on trans rights.
Nevertheless, Mr Streeting mentioned extra typically that the federal government would fairly see “police on the streets rather than policing tweets”.
The cupboard member added: “It is the simplest factor on the earth for individuals to criticise the police, however they’re implementing legal guidelines that parliament has handed and requested them to implement.
“So if we haven’t got the balance right, as Parliament over successive governments, that is something that we need to look at because the Home Secretary is very clear about what her priorities are”.
He mentioned that these priorities are neighbourhood policing and retaining borders secure.
Writing on Substack, Lineham mentioned that after flying into the UK from Arizona, he was detained by 5 armed officers at Heathrow Airport and put in a cell earlier than being questioned over posts printed on X in April. He added that officers turned involved for his well being after taking his blood stress and he was taken to hospital.
The arrest has drawn criticism from opposition politicians.
Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick mentioned the incident was “ridiculous and a complete waste of police time”.
Reform UK chief Nigel Farage mentioned he would elevate the case when he offers proof to the Home Judiciary Committee in Washington on free speech within the UK throughout a listening to on Wednesday, The Solar reported.
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Nigel Farage will elevate the case in Washington. Pic: PA
JK Rowling, whose views on trans rights have come below criticism, additionally waded into the row, posting on X: “What the f*** has the UK become? This is totalitarianism. Utterly deplorable.”
Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman mentioned it was an operational matter for the police when requested concerning the arrest yesterday.
He added: “The prime minister and the home secretary have been clear about where their priorities for crime and policing are, and that’s tackling anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, street crime, as well as reducing serious violent crimes like knife crime and violence against women”.
Requested whether or not the federal government agreed with the Harry Potter writer’s declare that the UK was now a “totalitarian” state, the spokesman mentioned: “No.”
A Met Police spokeswoman confirmed an arrest was made at Heathrow on Monday however didn’t determine Linehan.
In an announcement, the pressure mentioned: “On Monday 1 September at 1pm officers arrested a man at Heathrow Airport after he arrived on an inbound American Airlines flight.
“The person in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence. That is in relation to posts on X.
“After being taken to police custody, officers became concerned for his health and he was taken to hospital. His condition is neither life-threatening nor life-changing.
“He has now been bailed pending additional investigation.”
