The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has come under scrutiny after Chief Superintendent Nigel Goddard attended a meeting with Labour MP Hilary Benn in Westminster. The encounter has sparked concerns over political neutrality in Northern Ireland's policing.
Controversial Meeting Raises Eyebrows
Justice Minister Naomi Long expressed unease about the meeting, questioning whether it adhered to the PSNI's commitment to impartiality. The discussion reportedly covered sensitive political matters relating to Northern Ireland, though exact details remain undisclosed.
Political Reactions
Alliance Party leader Long stated: "While engagement between police and politicians is necessary, we must ensure such interactions don't compromise the perception of political neutrality." Meanwhile, Benn defended the meeting as routine parliamentary business.
PSNI Defends Engagement
A PSNI spokesperson maintained that "operational independence remains paramount" and such meetings help inform Westminster policymakers about Northern Ireland's unique policing challenges. They emphasised that no party-political discussions occurred.
The controversy emerges amid heightened political tensions in Northern Ireland, with policing remaining a sensitive issue following historical sectarian divisions. Observers warn that perceived political alignment could undermine public trust in the police service.
