Two peers have criticised Prime Minister David Cameron for involving the Metropolitan Police in a review of Madeleine McCann's disappearance, warning that the force's operational independence is under threat. Labour's Lord Harris, a member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, accused Cameron of bowing to Rupert Murdoch's empire after Kate McCann wrote an open letter in the Sun asking for help. Liberal Democrat Lord Bradshaw, vice-chairman of Thames Valley Police Authority, described the intervention as a PR exercise, expressing concern about the politicisation of the police.
Scotland Yard insiders downplayed expectations of a quick breakthrough, stating the review could take months or years and cost millions of pounds. The force denied it had been ordered to conduct the review, saying Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson received a request and decided it was the best course of action. The review will involve translating Portuguese documentation and examining files held by Leicestershire police and private investigators hired by the McCanns.
Kerry Needham, mother of Ben Needham who was abducted in Crete 20 years ago, welcomed the move but called for equal support for all families with children missing abroad. The Met already has a copy of a review by Jim Gamble, former head of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, which reportedly recommended Scotland Yard's involvement but had been left unactioned for over a year.
Home Secretary Theresa May wrote to Sir Paul confirming diplomatic contact with Portuguese police, who indicated cooperation. The McCanns thanked Cameron, calling the Met's involvement a positive step.
