Skip to main content
Met ‘needs to get claws out of inquiry’
Activist: Scotland Yard splashing the cash on self-defence

AN INQUIRY into undercover policing must “take back control” from the Met, an activist deceived into a relationship with an undercover officer has said.

Helen Steel’s partner John Dines was a member of the Metropolitan Police’s Special Demonstration Squad, which targeted protest groups until it was disbanded in 2008.

The unit is one of several under scrutiny at the undercover policing inquiry, which has been beset by delays since it was announced in 2014.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
SLAUGHTER OF THE INNOCENT: At Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis Baraa Heikal mourns over the body of his brother Fadi Heikal, killed in an Israeli strike, May 10 2026
Policing / 14 May 2026
14 May 2026

The Met Police's refusal to act against British nationals accused of war crimes in Gaza is a green light for Israel's genocide, writes CLAUDIA WEBBE

File photo dated 27/03/23 of former prime minister Sir Tony Blair during an interview
Features / 7 October 2025
7 October 2025

JOHN GREEN has doubts about the efficacy of the Freedom of Information Act, once trumpeted by Tony Blair

Louise Raw and Louise Regan with the Palestine flag and the other one is of Laura Alvarez (on the left) and Jamila Bolton-Gordon
Activism / 30 June 2025
30 June 2025

BEN CHACKO reports on the struggles against sexism, racism and the brutish British state that featured at Matchwomen’s Festival this year