Met chief orders inquiry into Muslim PC embassy row

Sir Ian Blair has ordered an 'urgent inquiry' after a Muslim police officer was excused from guarding London's Israeli Embassy after he objected to the duty on 'moral grounds'.

Sir Ian said: "Having learned of this issue I have asked for an urgent review of the situation and a full report into the circumstances."

PC Alexander Omar Basha - a member of the Metropolitan Police's Diplomatic Protection Group - refused to be posted there because he objected to Israeli bombings in Lebanon and the resulting civilian casualties of fellow Muslims.

In a move which has caused widespread astonishment at Scotland Yard, senior officers in the DPG agreed that that PC Basha should be given an alternative posting.

The officer, who carries a gun, is now thought to be guarding another embassy.

Critics accused Met chiefs of bowing to political correctness, saying the decision set a dangerous precedent.

A senior source in the Metropolitan Police Federation said: 'We are expected to serve people without fear or favour. You treat them according to their needs whether you agree with their political or religious views or not.

"Officers should not be allowed to pick and choose where they work in this way."

Richard Barnes, a Tory member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, accused senior officers of lacking tact.

He said: "I think it was crass management in the first place. They should have recognised there could have been a problem and not suggested this officer be posted at this embassy.

"The Met keep banging on about diversity, but this case shows they have learned very little at all."

The Israeli embassy in Kensington, West London, is one of the most secure diplomatic buildings in the capital. Officers are on patrol around the clock amid fears it could be targeted by terrorists.

Last night senior Scotland Yard sources stressed the decision not to post PC Basha to the Israeli embassy was taken by 'locally' senior officers in the DPG.

They stressed Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair, who has been dubbed Britain's most politically correct police chief, had "absolutely no involvement in the case".

But Met insiders blame Sir Ian for creating a culture of political correctness since taking over as head of the force in February last year.

One of the first initiatives taken by Sir Ian after taking up the post was to change the Met's log from a handwritten style to a bland type in capitals because it discriminated against short-sighted people.

Next he approved the hiring of 24 'diversity advisors' to give advice on race and gay issues to police investigating major crimes.

Last year he was found 'guilty' of 'hanging three white detectives out to dry' to prove his anti-racist credentials.

An employment tribunal said while deputy head of the force, Sir Ian prejudiced discipline proceedings against the men because he wanted to make an example of them.

The three said they were 'treated like criminals' after an Asian woman colleague complained that one of the mispronounced the word 'shi'ites' as 'shitties'. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police confirmed that PC Basha had objected to being posted to the Israeil Embassy.

He added: "On occasions and for a variety of reasons, an officer may ask to be moved, whatever role they perform. Every case is managed separately.

"At the end of the day the needs of the Metropolitan Police Service take precedence and the Commissioner reserves the right to post an officer where he sees fit."

PC Nadeem Malik, an executive committee member of the Association of Muslim Police, said: "There are around 300 Muslim staff working in the Met and a number of Muslim police working in the diplomatic protection group who do not have problem covering the Israeli Embassy.

"These officers are Londoners, and Met police officers first and foremost."

PC Basha - in his late twenties and with a neatly-trimmed beard - is understood he has recently taken part in recent anti-war protests.

The Israeli Embassy in Kensington Palace Gardens is a top terror target. The building was attacked in 1994 by Palestinian fanatics when a 50lb car bomb exploded, injuring nine and causing millions of pounds' damage.

Ex-Met Flying Squad commander John O'Connor, said: "This is the beginning of the end for British policing.

"If they can allow this, surely they'll have to accept a Jewish officer not wanting to work at an Islamic national embassy? Will Catholic cops be let off working at Protestant churches? Where will it end? This decision is going to allow officers to act in a discriminating and racist way.

"When you join the police, you do so to provide a service to the public. If you cannot perform those duties, you leave.

"The Metropolitan Police are setting a precedent they will come to bitterly regret. Top brass granted his wish as they were probably frightened of being accused of racism. But what they've done is an insult to the Jewish community."

Last night Met chief Sir Ian Blair ordered an urgent review of the decision not to post the Muslim officer to the Israeli embassy.

In a hurriedly-composed statement, he said: "Having learned of this issue, I have asked for a review of the situation and a full report into the circumstances."

Met sources said the Commissioner was 'furious' that such a decision had been taken by his senior officers.

One said: "He had no knowledge about this case until very late tonight. It sends out the wrong messages and he wants it sorted out as soon as possible."

It is understood the head of the Diplomatic Protection Group, Chief Supt Jamie Stephen, approved PC Basha's request.

His boss, Commander Peter Loughborough, was "consulted" about the case and agreed with his decision.

Commander Loughborough - an artisocrat who is also in overall charge of Royalty Protection - is no stranger to controversy.

He was strongly tipped to lose his job after an intruder dressed up as Osama Bin Laden gatecrashed Prince William's 21st birthday party at Windsor Castle, and kissed him on both cheeks.

However he kept his job after senior royals made it clear to the Met's top brass they had faith in him.