West Midlands Police Federation Chair Criticized Over “Nonsense” Racism Claims Post

The head of the West Midlands Police Federation is facing criticism due to social media comments dismissing claims of racism within the police force as “nonsense.” Khizra Bano, a former officer, has asserted the presence of extensive racism and homophobia within West Midlands Police and is pursuing legal action against Chief Constable Craig Guildford at a tribunal. Richard Cooke stated on social media that it was “nonsense” to suggest the force had not addressed racism. Ms. Bano has demanded his resignation. Mr. Cooke, in turn, affirmed his support for his social media statements. The national police federation, which serves as the representative body for rank-and-file officers, confirmed it had received numerous complaints and was conducting an investigation. Ms. Bano presented her allegations on 5 December, asserting that racist conduct was occurring on a “huge scale.” She cited incidents brought up in staff forums she organized, such as a black colleague being requested to perform a “tribal dance” and an Asian colleague being told, following a terror attack, “Your mates have been at it again.” Additionally, Ms. Bano is pursuing an employment tribunal against the force’s chief constable over several claims, including discrimination, all of which he refutes. She stated that upon learning of Mr. Cooke’s posts on Tuesday, she promptly filed a formal complaint against him with the Police Federation of England and Wales. “The comments were defamatory – he’s accused me of lying,” she stated. She added, “Not only has West Midlands Federation failed to support me and stand up for minority ethnic, gay or female members, they are actively acting against the effort to bring cultural change.” “He [Mr Cooke] needs reminding that black, brown, female, gay and disabled officers are all federation members too,” she emphasized. Concluding, she said, “I am livid… He needs to stand down or be removed.” Speaking to BBC News, Mr. Cooke conveyed that the federation “categorically rejects” the assertion that “racist police are on duty every day” within the West Midlands force. He characterized this description as “irresponsible and misleading” and “needlessly damaging to public confidence in those we are proud to represent.” Regarding the staff forums organized by Ms. Bano, Mr. Cooke stated that while open dialogue for officers was crucial, the “good faith and trust” that colleagues from all backgrounds invested in these forums were “severely undermined by these claims and they may now wonder at the motivations behind it.” “In no way do we recognise the description of “widespread racism” or a “gang culture” among our colleagues,” he affirmed. He further added, “I stand by my posts on X in response to this which are self-explanatory and have not suggested anyone is a liar.” Mr. Cooke confirmed his intention to seek re-election as chairman in the upcoming months and stated he had no plans to resign. A spokesperson for the national police federation commented: “The Police Federation of England & Wales has received multiple complaints on this matter which we are urgently investigating. We take these issues extremely seriously, especially when they conflict with our values as an inclusive organisation.”