Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Lawyer claims spycops' practice of stealing dead children’s identities was ‘essential’
Oliver Sanders QC described the ‘casual’ sexual encounters undercover officers had with the unsuspecting activists were ‘the kind that happens between consenting men and women’
Demonstrators outside the Royal Courts of Justice, London, where an Investigatory Powers Tribunal is hearing the case of Kate Wilson (right) who was deceived into a relationship by undercover police officer Mark Kennedy in October 2018

by Bethany Rielly

A LAWYER representing more than 100 spycops has defended the practice of stealing dead children’s identities, claiming it was “essential” for protecting undercover officers. 

Speaking at the undercover policing inquiry today Oliver Sanders QC also dismissed cases in which officers engaged in “casual” sexual relationships with activists as “consensual.”

The inquiry is examining the tactics used by the Metropolitan Police’s special demonstration squad (SDS) and national public-order intelligence unit (NPOIU) whose officers together spied on over 1,000 political groups dating back to 1968. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
A view of BAE Systems' Barrow-in-Furness shipyard in Cumbria, October 30, 2024
Undercover Policing Inquiry / 13 July 2026
13 July 2026
International Women’s Day 2026 / 7 March 2026
7 March 2026

ANNA FISHER explores what would it mean for women’s equality and public safety if Britain embraces full commercialisation of the sex trade

The Duke of York departs Westminster Abbey, London, following the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, May 6, 2023
Royal Family / 19 October 2025
19 October 2025