The Met says they increased their presence in Covent Garden to police fans after the recent England v Scotland football match.
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Kim Johnson and her family were stopped by officers in Covent Garden last month as they headed to a restaurant.
The MP, her son and his friend – both black men in their 30s – and their wives had just stepped out of a taxi when they found themselves surrounded by police.
The incident took place near the end of the England v Scotland Euro 2020 football match.
Johnson said: ““There were loads of Scottish football supporters, who were involved in antisocial behaviour – being leery – in the same vicinity as us, but these police officers just targeted in on us”.
She added that when she told the officers she was an MP, they “just walked off”.
The Met said they were unable to comment on specific incidents.
“On Friday, 18 June, the Met had a large number of officers in central London to provide a visible presence as part of the policing operation for the Euros 2020,” a statement read.
“These officers ensured the safety of those enjoying the football, or a night out in the West End, and responded to any reports of alleged criminality.
“While we are unable to comment on this specific incident – without the full circumstances – or what led to [the] stop, we would expect officers to pursue all lines of inquiry, including speaking to individuals who match the description of those allegedly involved, when responding to an allegation of crime.”
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HeadlineLabour MP Kim Johnson accuses Met of racism after being stopped in London
Short HeadlineLabour MP accuses Met of racism
StandfirstAfter being stopped in central London last month, Kim Johnson, Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, has accused the Met Police of institutional racism.
Kim Johnson and her family were stopped by officers in Covent Garden last month as they headed to a restaurant.
The MP, her son and his friend – both black men in their 30s – and their wives had just stepped out of a taxi when they found themselves surrounded by police.
The incident took place near the end of the England v Scotland Euro 2020 football match.
Johnson said: ““There were loads of Scottish football supporters, who were involved in antisocial behaviour – being leery – in the same vicinity as us, but these police officers just targeted in on us”.
She added that when she told the officers she was an MP, they “just walked off”.
The Met said they were unable to comment on specific incidents.
“On Friday, 18 June, the Met had a large number of officers in central London to provide a visible presence as part of the policing operation for the Euros 2020,” a statement read.
“These officers ensured the safety of those enjoying the football, or a night out in the West End, and responded to any reports of alleged criminality.
“While we are unable to comment on this specific incident – without the full circumstances – or what led to [the] stop, we would expect officers to pursue all lines of inquiry, including speaking to individuals who match the description of those allegedly involved, when responding to an allegation of crime.”
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