Stephen Lawrence’s dad fears UK street crime is worse than when his son died

THE dad of teenager Stephen Lawrence fears violence on Britain's streets is even worse than when his son was stabbed to death in 1993.

The initial investigation into his death was hampered by racism claims.

On the 20th anniversary of the Macpherson Report, which branded the Met “institutionally racist”, Neville Lawrence called for a new body to ensure the report’s findings are implemented.

He said: “The report was Stephen’s legacy and crucial reform brought in as a result. But that legacy is at risk.

"Nobody is holding police forces to account and I think it is really important that a group is formed again to carry out this work. The police could be paying lip service to the recommendations and we would never know."

Earlier this week, Met commissioner Cressida Dick said she did not believe the force was racist, and that it had made progress following the Macpherson Report.

Guy Mitchell, a specialist civil liberties solicitor from Hodge Jones and Allen - who is part of the team representing Mr Lawrence, said: "The Macpherson Report represented a seminal moment in British society and, while some improvements were made, it is crucial that a steering group is reintroduced to ensure the report's findings are properly implemented.

"We hope that this will be considered by the Home Office to ensure that Stephen's legacy is maintained and the task of tackling institutional racism is given due prominence."

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