‘Use common sense!’ Labour MP weighs in on Pearson police probe but defends ‘widening of rules’ for anti-Semitism and Islamophobia

However, she defended the principle of widening the rules for cases involving antisemitism and islamophobia, after concerns that abuse of Jews and Muslims were not being picked up.

Her comments came as it was revealed that Essex police logged 702 NCHIs from June 2023-24 and 834 from June 2022-23.

Dame Diana Johnson said police officers should use common sense

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One of the NCHIs logged this year was when a complainant said they felt their bank was being unpleasant due to their “skin colour and height.”

Another was a report against a shopkeeper who refused a person entry due to having a guide dog with them.

Essex police have recently come under scrutiny for investigating journalist Allison Pearson over a tweet that allegedly incited racial hatred.

Officers came to her home on Remembrance Sunday to invite her to a voluntary interview.

Speaking to Times Radio, Dame Diana Johnson commented on a report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary which found that confusion over rules meant officers were taking a “if in doubt, record a crime,” approach.

Because of this, NCHI’s were being logged too often for complaints that amounted to “hurt feelings.”

The Labour MP said: “There are instances where NCHIs should be recorded. There is also an issue where there is a need for more training and clarity about what is appropriate. Being consistent and having a common sense approach to this is important.”

At the same time, she noted that because of a rise in hate against minorities, there should be caution, and recognised that joined-together intelligence could be useful in dealing with what could develop into a criminal offence: “It’s also important to note that for example around the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia over recent times, that any hostility that might be focused towards individuals.”

Essex Police logged 1,500 NCHIs in two years

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“That is a matter for the police to consider whether they need to record that. That’s one of the examples.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is believed to be looking to reverse the Tories’ decision to tighten the NCHI guidance, because of concerns that this move prevented police from adequately recording antisemitism and islamophobia.

Sources from the Home Office said the incidents would only be recorded when necessary and proportionate, while also preserving the “fundamental right” to free speech.