The report, drawing on more than four decades of evidence, argues racism is structural and institutional, with darker-skinned staff branded as confrontational and lighter-skinned officers sometimes receiving quicker empathy and leniency.

It shows racism shaping the Met’s relationship with Black Londoners and affecting the experiences of officers and staff for decades.

Findings emphasize that harm is systemic, not limited to isolated scandals, and that governance and leadership patterns actively shield the force from reform.

Advocates and affected parties stress accountability gaps and demand swift change rather than promises of future improvements.

Daniels warns that plans ignoring these findings will stagnate and perpetuate racial harm by maintaining power imbalances.

A formal review concludes that discrimination against Black staff and communities is embedded in the Met’s systems, leadership, governance, and culture, causing ongoing racial harm.

Family voices, including Stephen Lawrence’s mother and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, call for honest acknowledgment and immediate action against racism within the Met.

Shereen Daniels argues that systemic racism is real, not just a perception, and that accountability must target those most harmed to address organizational dysfunction.

The commissioner urges identifying root causes and implementing structural changes that protect the public and reform the institution, beyond merely managing perceptions.

Context places the new findings in a longer history of scrutiny, advocating concrete cultural, leadership, and operational changes for true anti-racism.

Daniels notes the Met’s advanced repertoire to avoid change, with ongoing culture driving harmful outcomes rather than isolated incidents.

There is a call to confront root causes within policing operations and internal structures to ensure safety, fairness, and justice for all communities.