Skip to main content
The Morning Star 2026 Conference
An infringement on democracy and civil liberties
LINDSEY GERMAN argues that the interim report on undercover policing shows the Metropolitan Police is not fit for purpose
Demonstrators outside the Amba Hotel at Marble Arch, London, where the Undercover Policing Inquiry are holding hearings looking at the activities of the Met's Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) between 1973 and 1982, April 26, 2021

A VINDICATION for campaigners and another nail in the coffin of the Metropolitan Police. That is the takeaway from the interim report of the Mitting inquiry into undercover policing, published on June 29. 

The report concludes that the infiltration of left-wing groups in the 1970s and early 1980s was not justified, that undercover police gathered what Mitting called a “remarkable” amount of information on activists who were not threatening public order, and that the Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) should have been rapidly disbanded after its formation to deal with anti-Vietnam war demos in 1968, rather than continuing for decades.

The inquiry was initiated eight years ago by then prime minister Theresa May, in response to a growing number of scandals about the SDS. No wonder the undercover police have a bad name. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Claudia Jones
International Women’s Day 2026 / 7 March 2026
7 March 2026

The pioneering activist understood that freedom could only be won through solidarity across communities. Her legacy offers vital lessons at a time when progressive politics risks losing that shared purpose

The Morning Star republishes PRAGNA PATEL’s speech at the annual commemoration of Claudia Jones on February 22 2026

People take part in the Stand Up To Racism rally near the TLK Apartments and Hotel in Orpington, August 22, 2025
Anti-Racism / 23 October 2025
23 October 2025

Once again Tower Hamlets is being targeted by anti-Islam campaigners, this time a revamped and radicalised version of Ukip — the far-right event is now banned by the police, but we’ll be assembling this Saturday to make sure they stay away, says JAYDEE SEAFORTH

Louise Raw and Louise Regan with the Palestine flag and the other one is of Laura Alvarez (on the left) and Jamila Bolton-Gordon
Activism / 30 June 2025
30 June 2025

BEN CHACKO reports on the struggles against sexism, racism and the brutish British state that featured at Matchwomen’s Festival this year

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaking during a press conference on the Immigration White Paper in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London
Features / 16 May 2025
16 May 2025

As Starmer flies to Albania seeking deportation camps while praising Giorgia Meloni, KEVIN OVENDEN warns that without massive campaigns rejecting this new overt government xenophobia, Britain faces a soaring hard right and emboldened fascist thugs on the streets