Priti Patel demands police watchdog investigates Scotland Yard’s response to fake paedophile ring claims

Metropolitan Police launched 16-month investigation over fake claims by fantasist Carl Beech

The government has asked a police watchdog to review Scotland Yard’s reaction to false claims about a “VIP paedophile ring”.

Police launched a 16-month investigation that ended in 2016 without a single arrest following allegations by Carl Beech, who is now serving an 18-year jail sentence.

He fabricated claims of historical rape, torture and murder by prominent figures in the military, security services and politics, triggering the Operation Midland probe.

It saw the homes of D-Day veteran Lord Bramall, Lady Diana Brittan, the widow of former home secretary Leon Brittan and former Tory MP Harvey Proctor raided.

Priti Patel wrote to HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Thomas Winsor, asking him to launch an inspection “at the earliest practicable opportunity”.

“It is imperative that the public receive assurance that the MPS has learned from the mistakes identified and have made – and continue to make – necessary improvements,” the home secretary said.

The letter was sent ahead of the Metropolitan Police’s planned release of parts of an independent review by former High Court judge Sir Richard Henriques.

They will include a section on the investigation of a separate rape claim against late former home secretary Lord Brittan.

Ms Patel said following the publication of Sir Richard’s review and a separate Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) report, she would “consider whether any further steps are needed to address any wider issues with policing practice”.

Some details of Sir Richard’s report were previously released by the Metropolitan Police, in which he criticised police for believing Beech for too long.

One officer announced publicly Beech’s claims were “credible and true” and investigators applied for search warrants using flawed information.

Former commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe made a series of apologies over the investigation, which has to date cost the force around £4.5m.

Five officers were referred to the IOPC but the body found no evidence of wrongdoing or criminality.

Daniel Janner, the son of the late Labour MP Lord Janner who was one of Carl Beech's victims, said asking a police watchdog to review the force was “wholly inadequate”.

In a statement Daniel Janner said: “The police were taken in hook line and sinker by patently absurd allegations.

“Carl Beech’s allegation that my late father, a Labour MP, raped him in the Conservative Carlton club together with senior conservative politicians, was as hateful as it was ludicrous.

“It is an absolute disgrace that the police failed to take any steps to verify the allegation and described Beech's allegations as credible and true.

Mr Janner also accused deputy Labour leader Tom Watson of being “partially responsible”, claiming he “applied pressure on the police and should hang his head in shame and resign.”

The MP raised concerns in Parliament about allegations surrounding a VIP abuse ring, having spoken with Beech.