The Labour party’s love-in with great Tory statesmen continues. Yesterday Miliband went all Disraelian; today Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, has raised the spectre of Robert Peel in an attempt to paint modern Tories as out of touch with the police service in the wake of the Andrew Mitchell ‘pleb’ scandal.
However, it seems that Yvette has not done her homework. Peel’s view of the average copper was closer to Andrew Mitchell’s alleged words. Writing to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in December 1829, Peel mused on the formation of the police: ‘for subordinate duties connected with the Police, Persons who have not the Rank, Station, and habits of Gentlemen, are much better qualified than those who have them’.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in