Ex-Met Police Chief Admits Failure to Control Spycops Unit

Former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Paul Condon admitted on July 21, 2026, that the force failed for decades to properly control a controversial undercover unit responsible for spying on tens of thousands of political activists. Condon told the spycops inquiry that while there was "appalling behaviour by individual officers," the greater fault was systemic. The unit operated for 40 years, engaging in what Condon described as "horrendous" abuses.

Condon expressed his personal dismay at the wrongdoing committed by the unit, acknowledging the significant failures in oversight and control within the Metropolitan Police. The inquiry has been investigating the conduct of undercover officers who infiltrated numerous activist groups, often forming intimate relationships with targets and fathering children under false identities. These actions have led to widespread distrust and calls for reform within law enforcement agencies.

The admission by Condon marks a significant moment for the ongoing inquiry, which seeks to uncover the full extent of the spycops' activities and their impact on individuals and communities. The inquiry aims to provide a comprehensive account of the unit's operations and recommend measures to prevent similar abuses in the future. The focus is on systemic failures rather than solely individual misconduct, highlighting the need for robust accountability mechanisms within police forces.