MoD Steps in to Provide Military Assistance following Armed Met Officers Surrendering Weapons, Says Chris Kaba

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has offered armed soldiers to assist the London police force following the decision of over 100 Metropolitan police officers to hand in their firearms permits. This action is in response to an officer being charged with the murder of Chris Kaba, an unarmed individual who was shot in south London last year. The officer in question appeared in court on Thursday. The Met Police has stated that some officers are concerned about how this charging decision will impact them. The Home Office has requested military assistance, known as Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA), from the MoD to provide counter-terrorism contingency support to the Metropolitan Police if necessary. MACA is typically provided to the police or National Health Service (NHS) in emergency situations. In the past, the military has assisted medical staff during the Covid pandemic and covered for striking border staff and paramedics. The Met Police has emphasized that the offer of military support is a contingency option and will only be utilized in specific circumstances where an appropriate policing response is not available. The involvement of military personnel will not be in a routine policing capacity. This move comes after Home Secretary Suella Braverman called for a review of armed policing and highlighted the reliance on firearms officers to safeguard the public. She expressed her full support for the officers and vowed to provide them with the necessary backing. Chris Kaba died as a result of a police operation in Streatham Hill on September 5, 2022. He was struck by a gunshot fired by a Met Police officer while he was in a vehicle. He passed away in the hospital the following day. His death has sparked protests.