A recent report has highlighted what it describes as a "two-tier" approach to policing protests by the Metropolitan Police, Britain’s largest police force. The assessment contends that the Met prioritizes the rights of certain demonstrators over the broader public, resulting in inconsistent enforcement of the law and a decline in public confidence.

The report, produced by the Policy Exchange think tank, criticizes the Met for treating protest groups differently based on their cause or identity. It points to incidents where the force imposed strict conditions on a Ukip demonstration in Tower Hamlets, citing concerns over the area’s significant Muslim population, while appearing more lenient towards other groups, including those representing the Jewish community. This disparity, the report argues, undermines perceptions of fairness and damages the police’s reputation.

This issue emerges amid broader challenges facing the force. Recent crime statistics show that the Met identifies suspects in just 5% of robberies and burglaries, less than 8% of shoplifting cases, and a fraction of street mugging incidents in London. The city has seen a surge in thefts, with over 81,000 mobile phones stolen last year and a threefold increase in shoplifting offenses over the past four years, reaching nearly 94,000 in 2024 and 2025.

The report also critiques London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan’s approach to policing, specifically the reduction in stop-and-search powers, which Policy Exchange links to the rise in crime. The think tank has called for the Home Secretary to assume direct oversight of the Metropolitan Police, removing this responsibility from the mayor to improve performance. Additionally, the report warns of systemic strains on the criminal justice system, noting that nearly a third of offenders who should be electronically tagged are not, and that around 150 tagged individuals breach their restrictions each week.

In response, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance community safety, citing the "New Met for London" plan as delivering significant improvements and contributing to a reduction in crime. Meanwhile, a representative for Mayor Khan underscored his commitment to public safety, pointing to a record £1.16 billion funding allocation for the police this year and describing him as resolute in addressing crime.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who has led the force for three years, has faced scrutiny during his tenure amid falling public confidence and concerns about a perceived culture of impunity in London’s criminal landscape. The divergent perspectives in the debate underscore ongoing tensions over policing strategies and community relations in the capital.