In a significant move, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has readied the army to provide support to the Metropolitan Police following the decision by armed officers to relinquish their firearms. This development comes in the wake of mounting concerns within Scotland Yard, as an officer faces charges in connection with the tragic death of Chris Kaba.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has initiated a comprehensive review in response to an increasing number of London police officers surrendering their weapons. This trend was sparked by the unsettling case of a force marksman charged with the murder of Chris Kaba.

The Ministry of Defence has responded by confirming its commitment to aiding the police in specific roles when required. In response to the Met’s request for military support in counter-terrorism operations, an MOD spokesperson stated, “We have accepted a Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) request from the Home Office to provide routine counterterrorism contingency support to the Metropolitan Police, should it be needed.”

To manage the ongoing protests, officers from neighboring police forces stepped in to assist in patrolling the capital on a recent Saturday night.

Meanwhile, Home Secretary Suella Braverman has conveyed her firm stance that officers “must not fear ending up in the dock or carrying out their duties.”

Chris Kaba lost his life in Streatham Hill, southeast London, in September 2022 when he was fatally shot through a car windscreen. An officer designated as NX121 stands accused of his murder and appeared in court recently.

In response to the apprehension among firearms officers in the aftermath of these events, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley held discussions with 70 such officers stationed across London. Many of these officers understandably grapple with feelings of anxiety following the recent decisions.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police shared insights into the officers’ concerns, stating, “They are concerned that it signals a shift in the way the decisions they take in the most challenging circumstances will be judged. A number of officers have taken the decision to step back from armed duties while they consider their position. That number has increased over the past 48 hours. We are in ongoing discussions with those officers to support them and to fully understand the genuinely held concerns that they have.”