HAVING considered the recent comments made by Conservative leader William Hague MP, I would like to make quite clear my position and that of Greater Manchester Black and Asian Police Association.

The inquiry into the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) handling of the murder of Stephen Lawrence concluded that the MPS was institutionally racist. Since then, a number of chief constables have accepted that institutional racism exists in their respective forces.

The recommendations arising from the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry have been introduced to eradicate racism from the police service in addition to ensuring that all communities, including minority ethnic communities, are treated fairly, respectfully, in a dignified manner, and according to their needs. Anyone who attacks those recommendations is attacking the fabric of equality and justice. Much has been said about the police use of stop-and-search powers. The reality is that the powers the police had, prior to the publication of the report, are still in force today. In other words, the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry recommendations have not changed the legislation regarding stop-and-search.

Police officers have always been required to justify the reasons for stopping and searching members of the public. If certain officers are now unable to justify their actions then one may conclude that they have not been using those powers fairly. In addition to this, there is no evidence to link the changes in the behaviour of the police since the publication of the report and the increase in street robbery.

I do not accept or agree with the comments I have heard stating that Mr Hague's comments "may have been honourable". Mr Hague has made inflammatory comments against asylum seekers in addition to his latest attack on the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry. These also include blaming it for the murder of Damilola Taylor. I believe that these comments have been motivated by racism.

In addition, it comes as no surprise that the Police Federation has immediately supported Hague's view without waiting for sight of any evidence. Mike Huby, the Police Federation branch chairman in Greater Manchester, has recently stated that he does not represent the views of the minority.

William Hague's comments must be condemned by all. We should accept nothing less than a full public apology.

PAUL BAILEY,

chairman, GMP BAPA.