The federal government wants to take a look at whether or not police are “getting the stability proper”, Wes Streeting has stated, after the arrest of the co-writer of Father Ted over social media posts.
Graham Linehan, who additionally created the Black Books and The IT Crowd comedies, said on Tuesday he was arrested at Heathrow Airport over posts on X sharing his views on trans rights.
The well being secretary instructed Sky Information Breakfast with Wilfred Frost that he cannot touch upon the specifics of the case, as operational police choices are “rightly impartial of politicians”.
Nevertheless, Mr Streeting stated extra usually that the federal government would somewhat see “police on the streets somewhat than policing tweets”.
The cupboard member added: “It is the simplest factor on the planet for folks to criticise the police, however they’re imposing legal guidelines that parliament has handed and requested them to implement.
“So if we’ve not obtained the stability proper, as Parliament over successive governments, that’s one thing that we have to take a look at as a result of the Residence Secretary may be very clear about what her priorities are”.
He stated that these priorities are neighbourhood policing and protecting borders protected.
Writing on Substack, Lineham stated 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 grew to become 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 stated the incident was “ridiculous and a whole waste of police time”.
Reform UK chief Nigel Farage stated he would elevate the case when he provides proof to the Home Judiciary Committee in Washington on free speech within the UK throughout a listening to on Wednesday, The Solar reported.
Nigel Farage will elevate the case in Washington. Pic: PA
Harry Potter writer JK Rowling, who has often shared her views on girls’s rights in relation to transgender rights on social media, additionally waded into the row, posting on X: “What the f*** has the UK change into? That is totalitarianism. Totally deplorable.”
Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman stated it was an operational matter for the police when requested in regards to the arrest yesterday.
He added: “The prime minister and the house secretary have been clear about the place their priorities for crime and policing are, and that is tackling anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, road crime, in addition to decreasing critical violent crimes like knife crime and violence towards girls”.
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 stated: “No.”
A Met Police spokeswoman confirmed an arrest was made at Heathrow Airport on Monday, however didn’t determine Linehan.
In an announcement, the drive stated: “On Monday, 1 September at 1pm officers arrested a person at Heathrow Airport after he arrived on an inbound American Airways 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 grew to become involved for his well being and he was taken to hospital. His situation is neither life-threatening nor life-changing.
“He has now been bailed pending additional investigation.”
