House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Publication of the independent Police Accountability Rapid Review
23 October 2025 · Home Office
Proposed by Shabana Mahmood Lab Birmingham Ladywood
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Publication of the independent Police Accountability Rapid Review recommending changes to the legal framework for use of force by police officers
- Government accepts recommendation to raise the criminal law test for use of force in misconduct cases from civil to criminal standards
- Public consultation will be undertaken on the standard of proof for unlawful killing in inquests
Issue summary
The publication of an independent Police Accountability Rapid Review recommending changes to the legal framework for use of force by police officers and a consultation on the standard of proof in inquests.
Action requested
The Government accepts the recommendation to raise the criminal law test for use of force in misconduct cases from civil to criminal standards, with amendments to be consulted on before implementation by Spring 2026. A public consultation will also be undertaken on the standard of proof for unlawful killing in inquests.
Key facts
- The review was conducted between November 2024 and May 2025.
- It recommends raising the legal test for use of force in misconduct cases from civil to criminal standards.
- A public consultation will be held on the standard of proof for unlawful killing in inquests.