James O'Brien meets Neil Basu | LBC

"When I signed up to the police my friends said, 'Why on earth are you joining a corrupt and racist organisation?'"

Neil Basu joined the police force as uniformed officer in 1992. He rose through the ranks to become an assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in 2015, a role he held until 2021. Alongside this, he served as the UK's head of counter terrorism policing and Met assistant commissioner of specialist operations, working closely with MI5. During that time, he led investigations into 12 terror attacks, foiled 29 plots and charged three Russian state assassins in connection with the Salisbury Novichok poisonings.

In this rare and candid conversation, Neil doesn't hold back. He talks about the racism he's faced, the barriers he's had to break down and the tough leadership lessons he's learned throughout his career. But perhaps most powerfully, he explains why he firmly believes the Metropolitan Police is institutionally racist and why police chiefs must acknowledge it and apologise.

This episode is not suitable to those under 18 and contains sensitive topic discussions including racism and violence. If you are affected by anything you hear in this episode and need support, please see the suggested website links below.

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[patsymurrell]

Fantastic interview. Neil’s words catapulted me back to a time when I had the desire to join the police. I waited for our school careers evening to meet a representative. There I was told by them it wasn’t for me - I wasn’t even allowed to take a leaflet from their table. That was 1979, SE London and a black child not fully appreciating systemic, institutional racism.

[abebe]

I'm so glad you actually followed up on this! Neil was so impressive on his radio show, can't wait to listen to this in full!

[jsh]

Came to this having heard Neil Basu on your radio programme. Great interview - what an amazing man.

[yousufsadur]

I am a British Muslim man in my fifties and can relate to all the racism that Neil Basu describes. I really feel Britain will not change until my generation dies off completely. I have hope in the younger generation, and when my children reach their fifties it will be a very different Britain. Until then I can't see much change.

[GhAt-fd]

An excellent interview with an excellent guest!

[bigtone]

Fascinating interview and Fascinating man! great interview James.

[alan-xx]

What a great bloke. I hope this government finds a place for him in cabinet.

[pbailey]

A superb interview, worthy of a wider circulation, if only Neil had said this whilst serving.

As a black police officer of the same age as Neil who served thirty years at the same time as Neil I never once heard him speak out in this way during my service. Nor did I come across him even when I became chair of the Black Police Association (in Greater Manchester) - sadly a great opportunity missed as our views and experiences seem as aligned.

[raindrops_]

This was really interesting. I enjoyed hearing about Neil Basu's career. It would be terrific to have him back to go into more depth specifically about the recent riots, the role politicians and social media platforms play in stirring up division - which he briefly touched on a few days ago on James' show.

[kayjay]

Had the pleasure of meeting, very nice guy and humble. Fab interview

[leecy]

It was one of the best interviews I have listened to. Well done!

[AmarMah]

What a great interview. And if possible I would love to hear more. Thank you for this interview.

[catrionamackenzie]

What an interesting interview. I got so much out of listening to this. Thank you.

[Kas-kwxf]

Great guest, great insight, great interview. Thank you.

Mr. Basu came across as a very articulate individual. Also sensed that focus and awareness of his career path within the police was evident. A lot of us (me) don't really know what is out there for us to reach for.

Inspiring.

[litlanemakhekhe]

All the best James. We truly appreciate your work.

[ADAMO]

Thank you for your great service Sir...

[mistycloud]

discrimination, violence, racism etc all come under the word bullying we need to really understand what dynamic causes people the urge to bully or be mean

[DileepaRanawake]

Wow Neil is amazing. Great interview. Hope we see more from him.

[gen_x_dad]

It's all patriarchy. The ridiculous part is, that those running around fighting in the streets, are the lowest on every totem pole.

[NadinesBrandBuilders]

I wish I’d come across Neil during my 12 years of service. Getting to know the man, I may have stayed in the job.