London Metropolitan Police: Approximately 300 armed officers withdraw as Army remains on standby

Around 300 Metropolitan Police officers have temporarily stepped back from firearms duties as the UK Army remains on standby to support the force. Additional officers from surrounding police forces have been drafted in to assist. The decision comes after an officer, known as NX121, was charged with the murder of Chris Kaba, who was shot last September. Senior officers have been meeting with armed staff who are considering their position following the charges. However, the Met has rejected reports that all 2,595 firearms officers have stepped back from their duties. According to the Met, the majority of firearms officers are still deployed across London. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that it received a request from the Home Office for military support in counter-terrorism activities. Nevertheless, the Met stressed that armed forces personnel will not be used for routine policing purposes. The Mayor of London has assured the public that the city is adequately protected, and he remains in regular contact with the Met commissioner. Discussions are ongoing between senior officers to address concerns over the Crown Prosecution Service's decision to charge NX121. The National Police Chiefs' Council has stated that mutual aid, the sharing of resources between police forces, is routinely used for public safety. Some police forces have confirmed that they have not received any requests for mutual aid. The prime minister has supported a review into armed policing guidelines, which is expected to conclude by the end of the year. A former officer has anonymously expressed concern for the safety of officers and their families, stating that the risk is too great. This individual maintains that the officers' actions are not part of a coordinated protest but rather a genuine fear for their well-being. The potential involvement of armed troops in policing has been described as a sad development. Sir Mark Rowley, in a letter to the home secretary, argued that officers need appropriate legal protection to carry out their duties effectively and confidently. According to figures from the Home Office, the Met Police accounted for 20% of firearms operations in England and Wales between March 2022 and March 2023, with only 10 incidents resulting in officers opening fire at individuals. On 5 September 2022, Chris Kaba was fatally shot by a Met Police officer in south London. His death sparked numerous protests.