‘Sinister’ police inquiry into Grimes podcast under review
THE Metropolitan Police is reviewing its investigation into Darren Grimes and Dr David Starkey in connection with allegations of stirring up racial hatred.
Scotland Yard contacted the conservative commentator and the historian to inform them a senior officer would assess whether the investigation was “proportionate” and that they were not required to attend a police station for interview at this time.
The decision to i nvestigate Mr Grimes for broadcasting an interview with Dr Starkey led to widespread condemnation since it was revealed by The Daily Telegraph last week.
In the podcast – published on Mr Grimes’ Reasoned UK Youtube channel on June 30 – the historian had said that slavery was not a genocide as there are “so many damn blacks”.
Last night, supporters said the Met’s review was a “victory for free speech”.
Mr Grimes had been due to be interviewed under caution over the alleged public order offence tomorrow. But yesterday he was contacted by police and told that a “senior officer has been appointed to conduct a review into this matter to ensure it remains proportionate and that all appropriate lines of inquiry are being considered”.
Mr Grimes said: “This vexatious claim against me should never have been investigated. I will be requesting a copy of the CPS advice that led to the intervention irrespective of whether they proceed or not, the dangerous precedent of broadcasters and journalists facing arrest and up to seven years’ imprisonment for ‘stirring up’ racial hatred as a consequence of what a guest said in an interview must not stand.”
Dr Starkey is understood to have received a similar communication. A source close to him said his supporters were “delighted that common sense has at least temporarily prevailed”.
The decision to launch an investigation was condemned by those from across the political divide, including Sajid Javid, the former home secretary and chancellor, and Lord Macdonald of River Glaven, the former director of public prosecutions, who described it as “sinister and foolish”.