SPYCOPS were told to “use your own condom” when having sex with activists under “inevitable” promiscuous circumstances, the Undercover Police inquiry heard today.

Met Police whistleblower Peter Francis began his long-awaited evidence at the inquiry today, having first exposed the existence and practices of the Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) more than a decade ago.

His disclosures revealed serious wrongdoing within the secretive unit, including the use of deceased children’s identities, political infiltration, and the targeting of black justice campaigns.

Mr Francis, represented by Leigh Day, will give evidence over four or five days, addressing the SDS’s internal culture, governance failures and the lack of welfare support for undercover officers.

On the first day, Mr Francis said he received no training on sex discrimination and often witnessed sexist behaviour among uniformed officers, adding that similar banter and bullying permeated the SDS.

He recounted being told by unit manager Bob Lambert to “wear your own condom” as part of routine advice, alongside instructions on rolling a spliff.

Although Mr Lambert did not encourage sexual relationships, Mr Francis said such encounters were “more than tolerated” and other managers similarly advised him.

Mr Francis said the advice was not about any concern for the women, but about the ramifications for the unit if they got pregnant.

He was told sexual relationships were “inevitable” and that promiscuity was considered “the norm” in left-wing groups.

Known cases involving officers Mike Chitty and Rick Gibson drew no criticism within the unit, Mr Francis said.

He was told that having sex as an undercover officer was acceptable, as long as he did not fall in love or have a longer relationship.

Mr Francis also described drug-fuelled field trips to Amsterdam and the city’s red-light district, as well as widespread racist, sexist and derogatory jokes within the SDS, including racist slurs used by managers Bob Potter and HN86.

The latter claimed Stephen Lawrence’s murder was being used to “promote a left-wing agenda” and expressed distrust of the only black intelligence officer in the unit.

He talked about “monkeys being organised” in reference to the Lawrence campaign, Mr Francis said.

The manager would also say he had a direct line to the home secretary and that the prime minister is aware of the SDS.

Mr Francis also recounted being told to search graveyards for the identities of dead children when creating his cover name.

The inquiry continues.