Grayling turns fire on Police Fed
Chris Grayling has hit out at the Police Federation for the continuing row over Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell.
The Justice Secretary echoed Philip Hammond’s comments from earlier in the weekend that the policing union had “hijacked” Mr Mitchell’s outburst at police officers on Downing Street for their own purposes.
He told Murnaghan: “I think it’s a mistake for the Police Federation to be trying to use this in the way that they are. I think frankly we need to get on with sorting out issues and challenges related to policing, having constructive dialogue with the Police Federation in relation to policing. Police do a wonderful job for us around the country. We need to make sure we give them every support we can to carry on doing that job.”
Mr Mitchell was reported to be under further pressure today, after varying reports that up to ten Cabinet ministers believe his position has become untenable and he should resign.