Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy has launched a stern confrontation with Britain's largest police force after Metropolitan Police officers visited his family home while he was undertaking official government business abroad.
The senior Labour MP revealed he has written directly to Home Secretary James Cleverly demanding answers about why officers called at his London residence during his diplomatic trip to Algeria last month.
Official Business Interrupted
Mr Lammy, who serves as the Opposition's top foreign affairs representative, was in Algeria as part of his shadow cabinet duties when the unexpected police visit occurred. The timing has raised significant concerns about police awareness of MPs' official schedules and the necessity of such visits.
'Deeply concerning' police action
In his letter to the Home Secretary, Mr Lammy expressed his alarm at the incident, stating he found it 'deeply concerning' that Metropolitan Police officers would attend his home while he was engaged in official government business overseas.
Demanding Transparency and Accountability
The Labour frontbencher is seeking urgent clarification on several key points:
- The precise reason for the police visit to his property
- Why officers proceeded despite his absence on official business
- Whether proper protocols were followed regarding MP engagements
- What steps will be taken to prevent similar occurrences
Mr Lammy emphasised that while he maintains respect for police operations, the incident warrants thorough investigation and explanation given his position and circumstances.
Broader Implications for MP Security
This incident raises important questions about the relationship between police forces and elected representatives, particularly concerning:
- Communication protocols between police and MPs' offices
- Respect for official parliamentary business
- Procedures for engaging with absent MPs
- Balance between police operations and parliamentary duties
The Metropolitan Police now faces pressure to provide transparent answers about their procedures and ensure such incidents don't undermine the working relationship between police and parliamentarians.
