Police Members of Political Parties

  • Reference Number: 2202
  • Date released: 24 November 2009

Request

The Secretary of State, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 to the Police Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/527), and having complied with the requirements of regulation 46, has determined that, with effect from 1st January 2005, there shall be inserted before Annex A of the Determinations under the Police Regulations 2003 the following Annex:

"ANNEX AA Regulation 6 Schedule 1 RESTRICTIONS ON THE PRIVATE LIFE OF MEMBERS OF POLICE FORCES

No member of a police force may be a member of any of the following organisations-

a) the British National Party;

b) Combat 18;

c) the National Front."

I would like to request the following information under the Freedom of Information Act

1. Prior to 1st January 2005 had any members of your Police Force been disciplined in connection with membership of:-

a) the British National Party;

b) Combat 18; or

c) the National Front

Please provide details of how many and the outcomes of such disciplinary procedures if any.

2. After 1st January 2005 have any members of your Police Force been disciplined in connection with membership of:-

a) the British National Party;

b) Combat 18; or

c) the National Front

Please provide details of how many and the outcomes of such disciplinary procedures if any.

3. After 1st January 2005 did you review the Human Rights implications of the restriction? Please supply minutes and other documentation relating to such a review.

4. The restriction relates to membership. Do you consider that there is any restriction on a member of your Police Force:-

a) donating to the British National Party

b) subscribing to a British National Party publication

c) purchasing goods from the British National Party

d) signing a petition in favour of the British National Party

e) signing a nomination form for a British National Party candidate.

Response

In accordance with section 1 (1) (b) of the Act our response is provided below;

No members of the Constabulary have been disciplined in connection with membership of the listed Parties, either before or since January 2005.

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