Thames Valley Police apologises after officer claims Norfolk MP Rupert Lowe had racist convictions
The force says ‘genuine misunderstanding’ led to the remarks.
Thames Valley Police has issued an apology after an officer wrongly stated that Norfolk MP Rupert Lowe had “racist convictions” during an anti-migrant protest in Oxford.
The officer made the comments after being asked about Mr Lowe during a demonstration at the weekend. Footage shared online captured the officer saying: “Rupert Lowe? Who is he? He has got some racist convictions, doesn’t he?” in response to a protester’s claim that Mr Lowe would “solve the problem instantly” of hotels housing asylum seekers if he was in power.
Thames Valley Police responds
The police force has confirmed that Mr Lowe does not have any racist convictions. A spokesperson said: “While the conversation shows a genuine misunderstanding, we recognise the importance of accuracy when discussing public figures and regret any distress this conversation has caused.”
They added: “The officer goes on to ask if the person they are referring to has criminal convictions related to racial issues. We can confirm that the MP being discussed has no such convictions.”
Rupert Lowe calls for public apology
Following the online circulation of the footage, Mr Lowe described the remarks as “a disgraceful lie from a uniformed policeman” and said: “We deserve better from our officers. I have contacted the relevant force demanding a public apology. Officers must police in an unbiased and non-politicised way. We must tackle this poison at its root.”
The police force says it regrets any distress caused to Mr Lowe and is reviewing procedures to prevent misunderstandings in future.