Briefing from the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman on: Iran, Bichard Report/Humberside Police and CSR.
Iran
Asked for an update on the situation regarding the eight British military personnel being held in Iran, the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman (PMOS) said that the Iranian authorities had now confirmed to us that they would be releasing the eight later today. We remained in discussion with them through the British Embassy in Tehran. As we believed we were moving towards a resolution, we did not think it would be helpful to say anything else at this stage because we didn’t want to prejudice what was happening in Iran at this time.
Bichard Report/Humberside Police
Asked if the Home Secretary had the power to insist on the removal of the Chief Constable of Humberside Police, the PMOS said that the powers were contained in Section 33 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (amended section 42). That process had begun and would be followed through. As he understood it, Humberside Police Authority had two weeks to respond. Asked what action could be taken if the Police Authority did not accept the Home Secretary’s demand, the PMOS said that the powers laid down in the Act were clear. It would not be helpful to get drawn into a discussion about hypothetical scenarios. Asked if the Home Secretary was saying that the Chief Constable ought to resign or should be sacked, the PMOS said Mr Blunkett was saying that the Chief Constable should be suspended. A process had been agreed with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), the Chief Police Officers Staff Association (CPOSA) and the Associating of Police Authorities (APA) and would be followed through.
CSR
Asked to confirm the report in today’s Times suggesting that the CSR had been delayed, the PMOS said that as he had told journalists yesterday, a date had not yet been set for the CSR. Consequently, it could not be said that it had been delayed. Asked when it might take place, the PMOS said that he had no intention of getting drawn into a speculative discussion about dates. It would be when it would be. An announcement would be made in due course.
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