Danny Shaw
@dannyshaw.bsky.social
Journalist, specialising in policing, crime, justice, prisons, security & immigration. Ex-BBC home affairs correspondent & former adviser to Yvette Cooper MP. These are all my views!
Here’s one way Rachel Reeves can save money: get the Home Office to restructure the £19.9 billion police service in England & Wales.
There are too many forces, too many overlapping layers, too much red tape.
My thoughts for the Spectator :
www.spectator.co.uk/writer/danny...
There are too many forces, too many overlapping layers, too much red tape.
My thoughts for the Spectator :
www.spectator.co.uk/writer/danny...
Danny Shaw, Author at The Spectator
Weekly magazine featuring the best British journalists, authors, critics and cartoonists, since 1828
www.spectator.co.uk
November 26, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Here’s one way Rachel Reeves can save money: get the Home Office to restructure the £19.9 billion police service in England & Wales.
There are too many forces, too many overlapping layers, too much red tape.
My thoughts for the Spectator :
www.spectator.co.uk/writer/danny...
There are too many forces, too many overlapping layers, too much red tape.
My thoughts for the Spectator :
www.spectator.co.uk/writer/danny...
NEW The police service of England & Wales needs shaking up. Half of the 43 forces are struggling financially; some are planning deep cuts. Yet, inefficiencies are baked into the structure of policing - the time for mergers is now.
My thoughts for the Spectator:
www.spectator.co.uk/article/how-...
My thoughts for the Spectator:
www.spectator.co.uk/article/how-...
How Shabana Mahmood can fix the police
Two sections of a speech given by Shabana Mahmood have sparked speculation that a once-in-a-generation overhaul of policing is on the way.
www.spectator.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 12:08 PM
NEW The police service of England & Wales needs shaking up. Half of the 43 forces are struggling financially; some are planning deep cuts. Yet, inefficiencies are baked into the structure of policing - the time for mergers is now.
My thoughts for the Spectator:
www.spectator.co.uk/article/how-...
My thoughts for the Spectator:
www.spectator.co.uk/article/how-...
NEW If your phone, bike or car has been stolen and you’d like the culprit to be caught you’ll almost certainly be disappointed …
Here are some ways to change that - through a radical rewiring of policing:
For the i-paper:
inews.co.uk/opinion/how-...
Here are some ways to change that - through a radical rewiring of policing:
For the i-paper:
inews.co.uk/opinion/how-...
I know how police can fix the phone theft epidemic
It will take an ambitious and radical re-wiring of policing
inews.co.uk
November 22, 2025 at 8:51 AM
NEW If your phone, bike or car has been stolen and you’d like the culprit to be caught you’ll almost certainly be disappointed …
Here are some ways to change that - through a radical rewiring of policing:
For the i-paper:
inews.co.uk/opinion/how-...
Here are some ways to change that - through a radical rewiring of policing:
For the i-paper:
inews.co.uk/opinion/how-...
BREAKING Home Office is about to announce that police and crime commissioners are to be scrapped..
Established in 2012 by Theresa May, Labour has never been a fan of the PCC system…they’ll be replaced in 2028 by policing mayors & local policing boards ..
Established in 2012 by Theresa May, Labour has never been a fan of the PCC system…they’ll be replaced in 2028 by policing mayors & local policing boards ..
November 13, 2025 at 11:13 AM
BREAKING Home Office is about to announce that police and crime commissioners are to be scrapped..
Established in 2012 by Theresa May, Labour has never been a fan of the PCC system…they’ll be replaced in 2028 by policing mayors & local policing boards ..
Established in 2012 by Theresa May, Labour has never been a fan of the PCC system…they’ll be replaced in 2028 by policing mayors & local policing boards ..
Reposted by Danny Shaw
🎧NEW @instituteforgovernment.org.uk podcast
- Royal trouble
- Inquiry woe
- Prisons crisis
@dannyshaw.bsky.social joins @cathhaddon.bsky.social @cassiarowland.bsky.social & @alexgathomas.bsky.social to make sense of it all
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/pris...
- Royal trouble
- Inquiry woe
- Prisons crisis
@dannyshaw.bsky.social joins @cathhaddon.bsky.social @cassiarowland.bsky.social & @alexgathomas.bsky.social to make sense of it all
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/pris...
The Prisons Crisis Strikes Back | Institute for Government
Former BBC journalist and Labour adviser Danny Shaw joins the podcast team to discuss the state of the criminal justice system.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 24, 2025 at 8:54 AM
🎧NEW @instituteforgovernment.org.uk podcast
- Royal trouble
- Inquiry woe
- Prisons crisis
@dannyshaw.bsky.social joins @cathhaddon.bsky.social @cassiarowland.bsky.social & @alexgathomas.bsky.social to make sense of it all
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/pris...
- Royal trouble
- Inquiry woe
- Prisons crisis
@dannyshaw.bsky.social joins @cathhaddon.bsky.social @cassiarowland.bsky.social & @alexgathomas.bsky.social to make sense of it all
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/pris...
Yesterday at PMQs, while Kemi Badenoch tried to score cheap
points re 'grooming' gangs inquiry, away from cameras Jess Phillips was being applauded at parliamentary meeting on coercive control.
Inquiry handling - poor.
But removing Phillips would be big mistake.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
points re 'grooming' gangs inquiry, away from cameras Jess Phillips was being applauded at parliamentary meeting on coercive control.
Inquiry handling - poor.
But removing Phillips would be big mistake.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Five grooming gang survivors tell PM they will stay on panel only if Jess Phillips remains in post
Exclusive: In fresh controversy, the women write to Keir Starmer and Shabana Mahmood to speak up for safeguarding minister
www.theguardian.com
October 23, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Yesterday at PMQs, while Kemi Badenoch tried to score cheap
points re 'grooming' gangs inquiry, away from cameras Jess Phillips was being applauded at parliamentary meeting on coercive control.
Inquiry handling - poor.
But removing Phillips would be big mistake.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
points re 'grooming' gangs inquiry, away from cameras Jess Phillips was being applauded at parliamentary meeting on coercive control.
Inquiry handling - poor.
But removing Phillips would be big mistake.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Danny Shaw
I'm back on the IfG podcast! Great to welcome @dannyshaw.bsky.social to discuss just a few of the big home affairs stories dominating the news this week - as well as our new report. Have a listen!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/pris...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/pris...
The Prisons Crisis Strikes Back | Institute for Government
Former BBC journalist and Labour adviser Danny Shaw joins the podcast team to discuss the state of the criminal justice system.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 23, 2025 at 3:53 PM
I'm back on the IfG podcast! Great to welcome @dannyshaw.bsky.social to discuss just a few of the big home affairs stories dominating the news this week - as well as our new report. Have a listen!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/pris...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/pris...
NEW Cases of murder & manslaughter in Eng/Wales down to lowest level since comparable records began, in 2002/3 - 518 homicides July 24-June 25
Police recorded: violence with injury, knife crime, robbery, gun crime also down
But rape & shop theft at record levels
From Office for National Statistics
Police recorded: violence with injury, knife crime, robbery, gun crime also down
But rape & shop theft at record levels
From Office for National Statistics
October 23, 2025 at 11:39 AM
NEW Cases of murder & manslaughter in Eng/Wales down to lowest level since comparable records began, in 2002/3 - 518 homicides July 24-June 25
Police recorded: violence with injury, knife crime, robbery, gun crime also down
But rape & shop theft at record levels
From Office for National Statistics
Police recorded: violence with injury, knife crime, robbery, gun crime also down
But rape & shop theft at record levels
From Office for National Statistics
NEW Why Met Police changes to Non-Crime Hate Incidents won’t make much difference…
It’ll still rely on police judgement..
NCHIs will still be recorded ..
And real crimes take up most police time..
My first piece for @theipaper.com
inews.co.uk/opinion/grah...
It’ll still rely on police judgement..
NCHIs will still be recorded ..
And real crimes take up most police time..
My first piece for @theipaper.com
inews.co.uk/opinion/grah...
The Graham Linehan row shows the Met should stay well away from the culture wars
Non-crime hate incidents have become a lightning rod for culture war debates
inews.co.uk
October 22, 2025 at 9:59 AM
NEW Why Met Police changes to Non-Crime Hate Incidents won’t make much difference…
It’ll still rely on police judgement..
NCHIs will still be recorded ..
And real crimes take up most police time..
My first piece for @theipaper.com
inews.co.uk/opinion/grah...
It’ll still rely on police judgement..
NCHIs will still be recorded ..
And real crimes take up most police time..
My first piece for @theipaper.com
inews.co.uk/opinion/grah...
NEW The Met Police firearms officer who fatally shot Jermaine Baker was finally cleared of misconduct - after 10 years. The case should not have been brought - & highlights the need for urgent reform of the system.
My thoughts for the Spectator
www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...
My thoughts for the Spectator
www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...
The harrying of a Met firearms officer
‘No case to answer’. Those were the four words that finally ended an outrageously protracted legal and disciplinary case against a police firearms officer who fatally shot a man during an operation ta...
www.spectator.co.uk
October 17, 2025 at 11:33 AM
NEW The Met Police firearms officer who fatally shot Jermaine Baker was finally cleared of misconduct - after 10 years. The case should not have been brought - & highlights the need for urgent reform of the system.
My thoughts for the Spectator
www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...
My thoughts for the Spectator
www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...
Reposted by Danny Shaw
NEW As MPs debate the collapse of the China 'spying' case, we need a full explanation...
...but it needs to come from the Crown Prosecution Service & Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson.
My thoughts - no fee or subscription needed:
www.dannyshaw.net/post/china-c...
...but it needs to come from the Crown Prosecution Service & Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson.
My thoughts - no fee or subscription needed:
www.dannyshaw.net/post/china-c...
China Crisis: Questions for the DPP
In April 2024, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised charges against Christopher Berry and Christopher Cash for “providing prejudicial information to a foreign state, China”.The pair were cha...
www.dannyshaw.net
October 13, 2025 at 8:32 AM
NEW As MPs debate the collapse of the China 'spying' case, we need a full explanation...
...but it needs to come from the Crown Prosecution Service & Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson.
My thoughts - no fee or subscription needed:
www.dannyshaw.net/post/china-c...
...but it needs to come from the Crown Prosecution Service & Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson.
My thoughts - no fee or subscription needed:
www.dannyshaw.net/post/china-c...
NEW As MPs debate the collapse of the China 'spying' case, we need a full explanation...
...but it needs to come from the Crown Prosecution Service & Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson.
My thoughts - no fee or subscription needed:
www.dannyshaw.net/post/china-c...
...but it needs to come from the Crown Prosecution Service & Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson.
My thoughts - no fee or subscription needed:
www.dannyshaw.net/post/china-c...
China Crisis: Questions for the DPP
In April 2024, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised charges against Christopher Berry and Christopher Cash for “providing prejudicial information to a foreign state, China”.The pair were cha...
www.dannyshaw.net
October 13, 2025 at 8:32 AM
NEW As MPs debate the collapse of the China 'spying' case, we need a full explanation...
...but it needs to come from the Crown Prosecution Service & Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson.
My thoughts - no fee or subscription needed:
www.dannyshaw.net/post/china-c...
...but it needs to come from the Crown Prosecution Service & Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson.
My thoughts - no fee or subscription needed:
www.dannyshaw.net/post/china-c...
Reposted by Danny Shaw
NEW Parole hearing for David Norris, one of the men who murdered Stephen Lawrence, taught us 2 things:
1 Norris is nowhere near ready to be released
2 Support for victims remains poor in comparison with the efforts to help prisoners secure their freedom:
www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...
1 Norris is nowhere near ready to be released
2 Support for victims remains poor in comparison with the efforts to help prisoners secure their freedom:
www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...
The parole system still prioritises offenders over victims
David Norris, one of the men who murdered the black teenager Stephen Lawrence, had his parole hearing this week, but he was so uncomfortable about being seen that those watching on a videolink only ev...
www.spectator.co.uk
October 10, 2025 at 1:28 PM
NEW Parole hearing for David Norris, one of the men who murdered Stephen Lawrence, taught us 2 things:
1 Norris is nowhere near ready to be released
2 Support for victims remains poor in comparison with the efforts to help prisoners secure their freedom:
www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...
1 Norris is nowhere near ready to be released
2 Support for victims remains poor in comparison with the efforts to help prisoners secure their freedom:
www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...
NEW Parole hearing for David Norris, one of the men who murdered Stephen Lawrence, taught us 2 things:
1 Norris is nowhere near ready to be released
2 Support for victims remains poor in comparison with the efforts to help prisoners secure their freedom:
www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...
1 Norris is nowhere near ready to be released
2 Support for victims remains poor in comparison with the efforts to help prisoners secure their freedom:
www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...
The parole system still prioritises offenders over victims
David Norris, one of the men who murdered the black teenager Stephen Lawrence, had his parole hearing this week, but he was so uncomfortable about being seen that those watching on a videolink only ev...
www.spectator.co.uk
October 10, 2025 at 1:28 PM
NEW Parole hearing for David Norris, one of the men who murdered Stephen Lawrence, taught us 2 things:
1 Norris is nowhere near ready to be released
2 Support for victims remains poor in comparison with the efforts to help prisoners secure their freedom:
www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...
1 Norris is nowhere near ready to be released
2 Support for victims remains poor in comparison with the efforts to help prisoners secure their freedom:
www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-...
NEW Religious hate crime in England/Wales increased by 3% to record 7,164 offences, in 2024/25.
* Police figures from Home Office show 19% rise in anti-Muslim crime.
* Muslims & Jews are targets of 74% of religious hate.
* Jews are targeted more than any other religious group, proportionately.
* Police figures from Home Office show 19% rise in anti-Muslim crime.
* Muslims & Jews are targets of 74% of religious hate.
* Jews are targeted more than any other religious group, proportionately.
October 9, 2025 at 9:57 AM
NEW Religious hate crime in England/Wales increased by 3% to record 7,164 offences, in 2024/25.
* Police figures from Home Office show 19% rise in anti-Muslim crime.
* Muslims & Jews are targets of 74% of religious hate.
* Jews are targeted more than any other religious group, proportionately.
* Police figures from Home Office show 19% rise in anti-Muslim crime.
* Muslims & Jews are targets of 74% of religious hate.
* Jews are targeted more than any other religious group, proportionately.
NEW Intrusive supervision.
BBC Panorama filming at Charing Cross police station shows it was sorely lacking - but it’s a lesson the Met Police & Sir Mark Rowley must apply fast.
Free to read, my latest thoughts:
www.dannyshaw.net/post/what-ro...
BBC Panorama filming at Charing Cross police station shows it was sorely lacking - but it’s a lesson the Met Police & Sir Mark Rowley must apply fast.
Free to read, my latest thoughts:
www.dannyshaw.net/post/what-ro...
What Rowley hasn't yet got right at the Met
Charing Cross again. For the second time in three years the police station in the heart of London’s West End is at the centre of a misconduct scandal which raises searching questions about leadership...
www.dannyshaw.net
October 6, 2025 at 9:51 AM
NEW Intrusive supervision.
BBC Panorama filming at Charing Cross police station shows it was sorely lacking - but it’s a lesson the Met Police & Sir Mark Rowley must apply fast.
Free to read, my latest thoughts:
www.dannyshaw.net/post/what-ro...
BBC Panorama filming at Charing Cross police station shows it was sorely lacking - but it’s a lesson the Met Police & Sir Mark Rowley must apply fast.
Free to read, my latest thoughts:
www.dannyshaw.net/post/what-ro...
Reposted by Danny Shaw
NEW Gross misconduct inquiry launched into 11 police officers/staff who worked at Charing X police station, says
polie watchdog, IOPC.
One officer criminally investigated for perverting course of justice.
Follows undercover BBC Panorama filming.
But it's too late for common assault charges...
polie watchdog, IOPC.
One officer criminally investigated for perverting course of justice.
Follows undercover BBC Panorama filming.
But it's too late for common assault charges...
September 30, 2025 at 4:15 PM
NEW Gross misconduct inquiry launched into 11 police officers/staff who worked at Charing X police station, says
polie watchdog, IOPC.
One officer criminally investigated for perverting course of justice.
Follows undercover BBC Panorama filming.
But it's too late for common assault charges...
polie watchdog, IOPC.
One officer criminally investigated for perverting course of justice.
Follows undercover BBC Panorama filming.
But it's too late for common assault charges...
NEW Gross misconduct inquiry launched into 11 police officers/staff who worked at Charing X police station, says
polie watchdog, IOPC.
One officer criminally investigated for perverting course of justice.
Follows undercover BBC Panorama filming.
But it's too late for common assault charges...
polie watchdog, IOPC.
One officer criminally investigated for perverting course of justice.
Follows undercover BBC Panorama filming.
But it's too late for common assault charges...
September 30, 2025 at 4:15 PM
NEW Gross misconduct inquiry launched into 11 police officers/staff who worked at Charing X police station, says
polie watchdog, IOPC.
One officer criminally investigated for perverting course of justice.
Follows undercover BBC Panorama filming.
But it's too late for common assault charges...
polie watchdog, IOPC.
One officer criminally investigated for perverting course of justice.
Follows undercover BBC Panorama filming.
But it's too late for common assault charges...
Reposted by Danny Shaw
NEW What will Labour's plan for a Brit Card look like & will it work?
Likely to be modelled on Labour Together's plan for a digital card downloaded onto smartphones which can be instantly checked by employers & landlords using a free verifier app.
1/5
Likely to be modelled on Labour Together's plan for a digital card downloaded onto smartphones which can be instantly checked by employers & landlords using a free verifier app.
1/5
September 25, 2025 at 5:03 PM
NEW What will Labour's plan for a Brit Card look like & will it work?
Likely to be modelled on Labour Together's plan for a digital card downloaded onto smartphones which can be instantly checked by employers & landlords using a free verifier app.
1/5
Likely to be modelled on Labour Together's plan for a digital card downloaded onto smartphones which can be instantly checked by employers & landlords using a free verifier app.
1/5
NEW What will Labour's plan for a Brit Card look like & will it work?
Likely to be modelled on Labour Together's plan for a digital card downloaded onto smartphones which can be instantly checked by employers & landlords using a free verifier app.
1/5
Likely to be modelled on Labour Together's plan for a digital card downloaded onto smartphones which can be instantly checked by employers & landlords using a free verifier app.
1/5
September 25, 2025 at 5:03 PM
NEW What will Labour's plan for a Brit Card look like & will it work?
Likely to be modelled on Labour Together's plan for a digital card downloaded onto smartphones which can be instantly checked by employers & landlords using a free verifier app.
1/5
Likely to be modelled on Labour Together's plan for a digital card downloaded onto smartphones which can be instantly checked by employers & landlords using a free verifier app.
1/5
BREAKING The backlog of cases in Crown Courts in England and Wales has reached a record high of 78,329.
September 25, 2025 at 8:37 AM
BREAKING The backlog of cases in Crown Courts in England and Wales has reached a record high of 78,329.
NEW. Home Office confirms the first asylum seeker has been flown back to France from UK under one-in, one-out returns deal.
He's an Indian man who arrived in Britain by small boat last month.
Statement:
He's an Indian man who arrived in Britain by small boat last month.
Statement:
September 18, 2025 at 11:38 AM
NEW. Home Office confirms the first asylum seeker has been flown back to France from UK under one-in, one-out returns deal.
He's an Indian man who arrived in Britain by small boat last month.
Statement:
He's an Indian man who arrived in Britain by small boat last month.
Statement:
BREAKING: The first asylum seeker has been returned to France, under UK Govt's one-in, one-out deal.
The Indian man arrived on an Air France flight this morning; another migrant is expected to arrive later.
A reciprocal flight will come to the UK on Saturday:
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09...
The Indian man arrived on an Air France flight this morning; another migrant is expected to arrive later.
A reciprocal flight will come to the UK on Saturday:
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09...
Access Restricted
www.telegraph.co.uk
September 18, 2025 at 10:16 AM
BREAKING: The first asylum seeker has been returned to France, under UK Govt's one-in, one-out deal.
The Indian man arrived on an Air France flight this morning; another migrant is expected to arrive later.
A reciprocal flight will come to the UK on Saturday:
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09...
The Indian man arrived on an Air France flight this morning; another migrant is expected to arrive later.
A reciprocal flight will come to the UK on Saturday:
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09...
NEW Over 1,600 people have been arrested for showing support for Palestine Action, since it was banned in July.
Has the Government badly misjudged this?
Should the Met Police take a different approach?
I’ve been exploring the arguments for the Telegraph:
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09...
Has the Government badly misjudged this?
Should the Met Police take a different approach?
I’ve been exploring the arguments for the Telegraph:
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09...
Access Restricted
www.telegraph.co.uk
September 9, 2025 at 10:33 AM
NEW Over 1,600 people have been arrested for showing support for Palestine Action, since it was banned in July.
Has the Government badly misjudged this?
Should the Met Police take a different approach?
I’ve been exploring the arguments for the Telegraph:
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09...
Has the Government badly misjudged this?
Should the Met Police take a different approach?
I’ve been exploring the arguments for the Telegraph:
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/09...