In defence of police on duty at No 10

AS an ex-Metropolitan Police Officer I feel I have to speak up in defence of the police. In Friday’s letters page they were criticised by Norah Western for not acting when alleged parties were going on, even though they are present at Downing Street 24 hours a day. This is not the first time I have heard this accusation, so I feel I need to clarify this matter.

Without saying anything that contravenes the Official Secrets

Act that I once signed, the police in Downing Street are there to protect the premises, and all within. During the day, and often also through the night, the premises are used as a very busy office complex, accessed by people with the relevant security pass, as well as members of the PM’s Cabinet and other important people.

The police guard the building, and have no interest or control over what goes on inside the offices with those pass holders. Also, I would imagine that the Downing Street garden is as remote to the Met Police as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

The police officers on Downing Street are there to protect the building, and those within, at great potential danger to themselves. Instead of concentrating on this important job, does Norah Western and others suggest that they drop their guard and go around poking their heads around office doors, and checking bags for illicit booze, or maybe get into the Magic Garden and keep observation behind the hydrangea?

Security and protection of important people and buildings is a full-time occupation in itself, and any distractions can only weaken this position, and any weakness in security will undoubtedly be seized upon by people that wish us harm.

Alan Howlett Banwell, North Somerset