They had to be involved earlier.
If everything had been investigated in the first instance then there would have been no need for the Sue Gray report. Obviously I don’t know what was done but essentially a transparent review of whatever evidence there was at that point needed to happen then a statement made to the public. If there was insufficient evidence to prosecute anyone at that point, fine. Say that and move on. Any investigation could be reopened if that changed and new evidence came to light.
The sequence of events is totally off. It’s really odd to be honest and the whole impasse could have been easily avoided.
If they are looking to issue FPNS it’s hugely odd. There are 2 options that make sense.
1) coordinated cover up
2) they are investigating misconduct in public office
Both are pretty horrible scenarios to be honest and it’s why I genuinely believe that government should be held politically accountable as opposed to criminally. Once you remove the individuals from office you can investigate crimes. But a subordinate element of government shouldn’t be investigating the government itself. Nor should the civil service investigation answer to the PM. Too much scope for corruption in both. We need an independent body with real investigative power. Perhaps a special prosecutor who could be empowered by the lords.
This is tainting the civil service and the police as well as the government now.
I suppose it could make sense that sue gray passed the met the info assuming they would slap a few fpn. Cressida dick decided that it was good for public image to do that so did. Now the evidence has been passed to the met anti corruptioncommand they have determined there’s enough evidence to push harder and investigate something serious.
bear in mind this is a government that has no qualms about attacking and punishing”activist lawyers and judges.” Priti Patel becomes the next leader and suddenly the met are in her firing line. Budgets reduced, people reassigned, who knows why. Just like they suddenly only have justice swift available in the high court to hear certain cases.