Sir Ian Blair resigns as Met Chief: Reaction
Sir Ian Blair resignation in quotes
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Thursday, 02, Oct 2008 05:28
Gordon Brown, Boris Johnson and Jacqui Smith are among those giving their reaction to the resignation of Sir Ian Blair as commissioner of the Metropolitan police.
Sir Ian Blair resigns as Metropolitan police commissioner
Prime minister Gordon Brown:
"Ian Blair has made a huge personal contribution to the safety and security of our country, leading the national police effort against terrorism and the fight against crime, successfully introducing neighbourhood policing in London and cutting crime in the capital very significantly.
"I congratulate him and his officers, and of course I want to pay particular tribute to Ian's leadership when London experienced the most serious terrorist attacks ever on British soil."
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Mayor of London Boris Johnson:
"Sir Ian Blair has made a lasting and distinguished contribution to policing, in London and across the UK, for the last 34 years.
"He will be especially remembered for his successful introduction in London of the safer neighbourhood teams and for falling crime levels virtually across the board.
"In the face of a chronic and dangerous terrorist threat, he can be very proud of his record in helping to keep millions of Londoners safe from harm.
"But there comes a time in any organisation when it becomes clear it would benefit from new leadership and clarity of purpose. I believe that time is now.
"And following a meeting with Sir Ian yesterday, he has agreed to give someone else the chance to offer new leadership for policing in London.
"And I am sure he has done the right thing.
"I will always be grateful to Sir Ian for the productive start he has made to our plans to tackle serious violence and to reduce disorder on public transport.
"He leaves having made London safer and with our gratitude and best wishes. There is no doubt that he will continue to make a significant intellectual contribution to crime fighting in the UK and abroad."
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Home secretary Jacqui Smith:
"Sir Ian Blair told me this morning of his decision to tender his resignation in two months time. With regret, I have accepted his decision.
"Sir Ian has always had my support for the vital and difficult tasks demanded of the Met. They go well beyond the effective policing of London - a big enough job in itself - to the Commissioner's national role in policing and tackling terrorism.
"I pay tribute to Sir Ian for the massive reductions in crime the Met has achieved in London over the last few year and his continuing efforts to tackle the issues of guns, gangs and knives. His pioneering work to introduce neighbourhood policing to London has made a huge impact on the safety and confidence of Londoners.
"He has transformed the police's capacity to prevent and deal with terrorism throughout Britain including his leadership during terrorist outrages on London streets.
"Sir Ian can be proud of his contribution nationally and locally."
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Shadow home secretary Dominic Grieve:
"This is the right decision. We have been calling for Sir Ian to step down for almost a year - since the serial and systematic failings at the Metropolitan police disclosed during the [Jean Charles] De Menezes trial - whilst Cabinet ministers from the PM onwards continued to express total confidence in him.
"It is now clear that they have shown a serious lack of judgment about the leadership of the most important police force in Britain. It is vital that a successor is appointed who can restore public confidence."
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Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne:
"Sir Ian Blair had become part of the Met's problem, not its solution.
"His resignation is long overdue following a string of embarrassments for his force, including contracts given to friends, the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes, accusations of racism causing chaos at senior levels and the politicisation of his role during the debates on detention for terrorist suspects.
"The Met now needs a tough professional, not a wannabe politician."
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Association of Chief Police Officers president Ken Jones:
"As commissioner of the Metropolitan police service, Sir Ian Blair has steered policing in London on a steady course through challenging and very difficult times. I and all my chief officer colleagues at Acpo pay tribute to the leadership, determination and resilience he has shown in staying focused and working unstintingly to keep Londoners safe.
"As a personal friend I have known him over many years as a man of integrity and dedication to public service. He has made a tremendous contribution to Acpo and policing in general, including many innovations and initiatives which have improved public safety and national security.
"The business of protecting London continues and Sir Ian's departure will not interrupt the professionalism, expertise and determination with which the Metropolitan police service goes about the daily business of policing our capital. As Sir Paul Stephenson takes over while the process of appointing a new commissioner is completed, the men and women, police officers and staff of the Metropolitan police service will continue to have Acpo's full confidence and support.
"We wish Sir Ian well in all that he does in the future."