Lord Gifford letter to police liasion

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This letter, dated 3rd March 1986, is from Lord Gifford QC to Leslie Cohen, Secretary of the Haringey Community Relations Council Police Liaison Committee. It announces the establishment of the Broadwater Farm Inquiry following the disturbances on 6th October 1985 and invites the Committee to contribute evidence. The letter highlights a collaborative effort to understand the causes of the unrest and seek constructive recommendations for the future.

Key points:
– The Broadwater Farm Inquiry was set up to investigate the events of 6th October 1985.
– Lord Gifford QC chaired the Inquiry panel.
– The inquiry sought input from various community organizations, including the Haringey Community Relations Council.
– Written evidence was requested initially, with oral hearings planned for May 1986.
– The goal was to work collaboratively to address the causes of the disturbances and propose positive solutions.

The Broadwater Farm Inquiry followed a period of intense tension between the Black British community and the police, culminating in the 1985 riots. Figures like Bernie Grant, involved in local government and anti-racist activism, highlighted the urgent need to confront oppressive policing and systemic injustice. This inquiry represents an important moment in the ongoing struggle for community justice and improved police-community relations in Britain.

Source note: Some minor OCR errors exist (e.g., the date of the disturbances is mentioned as 6th October 1986, but historical context confirms it was 1985). These do not significantly affect the interpretation of the letter's purpose.