Bid to overturn ruling which stops police being sued for failings
Summary
Some UK lawmakers want to change a court ruling that stops people from suing the police for serious mistakes during criminal investigations. The ruling gives police officers legal protection, or immunity, preventing many civil lawsuits unless they are acting as witnesses in court.Key Facts
- A 2025 Court of Appeal decision in England and Wales gives police broad immunity from being sued for actions during investigations.
- This immunity covers police conduct and statements made as part of criminal investigations, not just as courtroom witnesses.
- MPs Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) and Jess Phillips (Labour) have proposed an amendment to remove this immunity except when officers are witnesses.
- The case behind the ruling involved a domestic violence victim whose confidential location was disclosed by police and a prosecutor, putting her safety at risk.
- The court ruling blocks lawsuits even when police have made serious errors like fabricating evidence or recklessness with confidential information.
- Police can still face criminal charges and internal misconduct investigations despite the civil immunity.
- The amendment will be debated soon, supported by examples like Ali Kololo, who spent 11 years in prison after a wrongful conviction linked to police failings.
- The ruling affects victims' ability to seek compensation when police misconduct causes harm or violates rights.
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