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Met Police chief says officers in ‘impossible position’ over anti-trans posts

Graham Linehan releases audio of arrest after being detained over tweets at Heathrow Airport

Comedian Graham Linehan was arrested at Heathrow Airport over anti-trans posts on X, claiming he was treated "like a terrorist" by five armed officers.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley defended the officers' actions but said the force should not "police toxic culture wars debates" and called for a change in the law.
Sir Mark said police were currently in an “impossible position” and proposed they only take action on social media abuse where there is a "clear risk of harm or disorder".
Both Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting said that police should prioritise street crime, anti-social behaviour, and serious violence over social media posts.
Linehan was released on bail with a condition not to use X and faces a further interview in October, in addition to separate charges for harassing a transgender activist and damaging her phone.