Harvey Proctor Calls For Scotland Yard Chief To Resign Over Failed Westminster 'Paedophile Ring' Probe

Operation Midland has been shut down.

A former Tory MP has called for Scotland Yard's boss and a string of senior police officers to resign over a heavily-criticised probe into claims of aWestminster VIP paedophile ring.

Operation Midland, which cost £1.8 million up to November 2015, has closed with no arrests, Scotland Yard said.

The investigation, looking at claims that boys were sexually abused by a number of public figures more than 30 years ago, saw raids on the homes of 92-year-old D-Day veteran Lord Bramall and the late Lord Brittan.

Harvey Proctor has called for resignations
Harvey Proctor has called for resignations
JUSTIN TALLIS via Getty Images

Former Tory MP Harvey Proctor has been told he will face no further action over Scotland Yard's investigation into historical VIP abuse claims.

The 69-year-old was twice interviewed under caution as part of the investigation, and has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming he was the victim of a homosexual witch hunt.

He has now called for Scotland Yard boss Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe and a string of senior officers to resign over the probe.

According to the Press Association, he said: "I have been advised that the Metropolitan Police Service has informed my solicitors that they intend to take no further action with regard to my involvement with Operation Midland."

Operation Midland began back in November 2014
Operation Midland began back in November 2014
Bloomberg via Getty Images

The probe centred on allegations by a man known as "Nick", and was also looking into the alleged murder of three young boys. At one point a detective described Nick's account as "credible and true".

The inquiry came under intense scrutiny after the Met announced that Lord Bramall would face no further action over historical child abuse allegations.

The development sparked calls for police to offer an apology to the former armed forces chief - which Scotland Yard refused - and prompted questions over the veracity of Nick's claims.

Proctor said: "I believe Operation Midland should now be the subject of a truly independent public inquiry. I consider that Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, (Assistant Commissioner) Pat Gallan, (Deputy Assistant Commissioner) Steve Rodhouse and (Detective Superintendent) Kenny MacDonald should tender their resignations from the Metropolitan Police Service forthwith."

Defending the investigation, Scotland Yard Deputy Assistant Commissioner Steve Rodhouse, said: "It is absolutely right that we assessed carefully the allegations made to us in October 2014 and did not dismiss them prematurely.

"Our initial inquiries supported the need for a thorough investigation to seek any evidence that might corroborate or disprove the allegations."

Close

What's Hot