MPA

We catch up with the ongoing inquiry of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) in Race and Faith issues within the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). This is a surprising move by Mayor Boris Johnson who usually dismisses claims of racism as complete tosh. The fact that this inquiry is taking place is testimony to the strength of the Metropolitan Black Police Association (MBPA)

Black Officers have complained that they are being passed over for promotion. The MBPA announced some time ago, a deeply damaging recruitment boycott. In response the Mayor announced his inquiry as Chair of The Metropolitan Police Authority and then astutely placed the well respected member Cindy Butts to chair the inquiry.

There are some who think that this constitutes a ' hospital pass' in Bullingdon Rugby Club terms. A previous inquiry undertaken by Sir Bill Morris produced many recommendations most of which have not been implemented. The MPS is a past master at absorbing criticism , agreeing to any recommendations you care to make and then smothering these recommendations into its huge bureaucratic labyrinth. Its a form of political Akido and Butts and the Panel will have have its work cut out to produce radical recommendation capable of being implemented.

Watermelon Files will be following the Inquiry and reporting regularly.

The Watermelon Files

Watermelon Files is inspired by the controversial comments of London Mayor Boris Johnson who in a satirical article described Africans as having ‘watermelon smiles’.

This site is dedicated to exploring issues of racism in London. In particular we will be looking at the work of Mayor Boris Johnson's administration and the Greater London Authority.

London is one of the most diverse cities in the world. The reality of racial discrimination and the attempts of various organisations and institutions to deal with its effects and promote anti discriminatory practice are regularly reported in the mainstream media.

With the demise of the Commission for Racial Equality and the reducing funding and threatened closure of some of London’s Race Equality Councils there is no single London wide strategic organisation looking at the issues of race, racism and race equality policy as it effects the lives on millions of ethnic minority Londoners.

This site will attempt to congratulate, comment on, raise issues and to hold to account those statutory and non-statutory organisations who are providing services to Londoners.

Of course this is a big task and we will need your help in bringing to our attention, issues and stories relating to racism in London. So do join with us as we try and explore the complex nature of race discrimination.

Lee Jasper
Editor - Watermelon Files