The right to remain silent

By Sarah-Jane Hollands,
Plod Watch Duty Officer.

Copper-bottomed institutionally useless Plod Blair, KBE has been dealt another glancing blow, this time by rank and file officers of the Metropolitan Police.
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It is understood that yesterday, leaders of the Metropolitan Police Federation, were asked by Paul Stephenson, Deputy Commissioner, to issue a statement voicing support for their Chief.
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They chose to remain silent, in what is seen as a humiliating snub to Plod Blair.

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The Metropolitan Police Federation represents more than 25,000 officers in London, up to the rank of Superintendent.

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In another embarrassment for Blair, on tuesday this week, Stephenson was forced to issue a statement denying press reports that dozens of senior officers had lost confidence in Sir Ian. However, more than 150 senior police officers are in open mutiny over his leadership. Plod Blair, who far from realising his days are numbered, continues to make contentious remarks.

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Just yesterday, he told Federation representatives that he would survive the current furore surrounding him, as he had 'Copper-bottomed trousers'. (Sounds like something from The Goons, "Commissioner Copperbottoms!")

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Comments from the Federation, that would suggest Plod Blair, who this week celebrated the first anniversary of his appointment as Commissioner, is held in very low regard, include "there has been general unhappiness with his performance on other issues and we are still waiting to be convinced by him." and "We are not going to come out in public support of him, you reap what you sow. Some of our members have been disciplined for far less."

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Issues with which the bobbies are unhappy include his wholehearted support for the use of civilian community support officers. There is also a strong feeling that the Commissioner is far too closely linked to the Home Office.

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It would seem that both Blairs this week have taken body blows from their so-called support staff. One wonders which will be first to throw the towel in -how about a joint statement of resignation, chaps? You would (for once) be doing the decent thing.