§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action has been taken following the unlawful killing verdict at the inquest of Ibrahim Sey; and if he will make a statement. [14481]
§ Mr. MichaelAn inquest jury concluded that Mr. Sey's death was by unlawful killing. The cause of the death was found to be postural asphyxia and excited delirium. Concern about the use of CS gas has been expressed in press reports, and Counsel for Mr. Sey's family expressed concern about the possible role of CS but no evidence was submitted to show that CS contributed to Mr. Sey's death. There is nothing in the Coroner's comments to attribute Mr. Sey's death to the use of CS. The Coroner recommended changes to training, and that all police forces should review the use of CS sprays.
The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that the Metropolitan Police have taken note of and reviewed the Coroner's recommendations and responded positively and immediately to them. This includes issuing clear instructions on how to deal with postural asphyxia and acute exhaustive mania in the near future.
After considering the implications, including the safety of the public and his officers, the Commissioner has decided that it is appropriate for CS spray to be issued to all Metropolitan Police officers. The use of CS spray will be carefully monitored by the Metropolitan Police.
In view of the large number of officers involved in the incident, the Metropolitan Police are considering to whom the verdict applies. This is complicated by the fact that it is not the role of an inquest to apportion blame to individuals. The Metropolitan Police have removed ten police officers from operational duty until their individual positions can be established.