Police Impartiality Threatened by Muslim Staff Groups Defending Hamas, Report Claims

A report by the Policy Exchange think-tank suggests that the impartiality of British police forces is under threat from Muslim staff groups that have defended Hamas and criticized Israel. The analysis highlights instances where these associations have allegedly entered "contested ideological, religious or political territory."

According to the report, there are over 200 staff networks within police forces, covering various characteristics. However, oversight of their activities is reportedly minimal.

The concerns were amplified after the National Association of Muslim Police (NAMP) published a document that defended Hamas and attacked Israel. The report, authored by NAMP's then-vice-president Khaldoun Kabbani, reportedly contained complaints about "unverified stories about acts of violence by Hamas" during the October 7 attacks. It also described the Israel Defense Forces as a "Zionist terrorist group" and likened Israel's treatment of Palestinians to the Holocaust.

While NAMP later removed the document, titled "Confronting Anti-Muslim Hatred and Promoting Human Rights," from its website, stating that the views were those of Mr. Kabbani who had since departed, Policy Exchange contends that the document's initial publication raises significant questions about police officer impartiality. Police officers are legally required to treat all members of the public equally.

Policy Exchange's report further claims that Muslim staff groups have platformed controversial figures and promoted contentious viewpoints. Examples cited include the Metropolitan Police's Association of Muslim Police inviting Husam Zomlot, Palestine's ambassador to the UK, to an annual meeting. Additionally, the vice-chairman of the West Midlands Association of Muslim Police, who also holds a senior role in the force's counter-terrorism unit, allegedly reposted social media messages concerning "questions of morality."

The report also accuses the National Police Chiefs’ Council of weakening proposed rules regarding police impartiality for staff networks. Policy Exchange advocates for a new "Police Impartiality Act" to establish clear requirements for police forces, associations, and their members.

Baroness Falkner of Margravine, former chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, endorsed the report's findings, stating that staff networks too often stray into ideological, religious, or political debates. She warned that a public loss of trust in the police's ability to act without fear or favor could risk the rule of law.

Chris Donaldson, a founding member of the Black Police Association, echoed these concerns, asserting that while staff networks are intended to support their members, some are now "going way over the line."