#independent-inquiry

#independent-inquiry

The home secretary is to order an independent special inquiry into whether the Metropolitan police allowed hundreds of recruits to join without proper vetting amid fears they may pose a criminal risk. The Guardian has learned that the inquiry will be carried out by the policing inspectorate, with concerns centred on 300 new officers hired between 2016 and 2023. The recruits may have had substandard or no vetting before joining the Met and gaining police powers.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the inquiry in June this year. The UK government said it would "co-ordinate a series of targeted local investigations" into the group-based child sexual exploitation of girls by grooming gangs. Called the Independent Commission on Grooming Gangs, the inquiry will have legal powers to direct targeted investigations in local areas and summon witnesses to give evidence.

Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour Party leader, is set to host a two-day event examining the United Kingdom's role in Israel's war on Gaza, casting the tribunal as an attempt to bring about justice for the Palestinian people. Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory, is among those expected to contribute, as well as medics who have volunteered in Gaza, such as British surgeon Victoria Rose, aid workers, experts and survivors.