Top officer rejects ‘feral underclass’ claims

Metropolitan Police Acting Commissioner Tim Godwin said he would not have used Kenneth Clarke’s term, as the officer outlined his vision for the future of policing in the wake of the widespread violence. When asked by the London Assembly how politicians could help, Mr Godwin called for help to empower disadvantaged communities.

Referring to the comments by Mr Clarke, Mr Godwin added: “I would not use (that term) myself.

“The use of the term feral was first used in about 2000 following the death of Damilola Taylor.”

Mr Godwin said there has “got to be a big debate in London in terms of how we empower local communities”.

When pressed further about Mr Clarke’s comments, he added: “It’s a term I would not personally use but I think we do need to understand the level of fear of crime that actually encourages them to join gangs.”

Appearing before Assembly members at City Hall, Mr Godwin said morale was as strong as it ever had been at the Metropolitan Police.

Mr Godwin is vying with the likes of Stephen House, Bernard Hogan-Howe and Sir Hugh Orde for the Commissioner’s job on a permanent basis.

An appointment will be announced on Monday.