I have just received the following letters. Lord Hanson Flint's response simply redirects me to the Information Commissioners Office and the Independent Office for Police Conduct. I'm now trapped in a loop.
My hunger strike resumes on the 5th March, 2025.
I will not back down. Unless I am willing to accept the unjust loss of my life and liberty I cannot back down.
Mark Stock
*****************
Basingstoke
********
Our Ref: ******* 23 February 2025
Dear Mark,
I am writing as Lord Hanson Flint has responded to your letter. Please find his letter attached.
Lord Flint states that the police are operationally independent of the government, meaning that while the government is responsible for setting the overarching legislative framework, it does not have the authority to intervene in individual cases. This principle exists to ensure that policing decisions are made impartially and without political influence.
I know this is not the outcome you were hoping for, and I understand how distressing this situation has been for you. You have shared that this process has had a significant emotional impact, and I am deeply concerned for your wellbeing.
If you are struggling with feelings of distress or suicidal thoughts, I encourage you to continue working with your mental health professionals, as they are best placed to support you during this difficult time. My office has also made an adult safeguarding referral out of concern for your wellbeing.
I know this response will be disappointing, but please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything else I may be able to support you with.
Yours sincerely
Luke Murphy
Member of Parliament for Basingstoke
Lord Hanson of Flint
Minister of State
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
Luke Murphy MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA
DECS Reference: **************
Your Reference: ******* 13 February 2025
Dear Luke,
Thank you for your email of 3 February on behalf of Mr Mark Stock about his concerns that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary are retaining false information under his name.
It is important to note that the police are operationally independent of the Government. They make decisions about how to respond to specific incidents based on their professional judgement and the circumstances at hand, and the Home Office does not have the power to direct them to make any operational decisions.
Nevertheless, if Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary refuse to delete Mr Stock’s personal information, then he could complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Information on how to do this can be found at: https://ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/data-protection-complaints/.
Alternatively, Mr Stock can call the ICO on 0303 123 1113 or start a live chat on their website to discuss his concerns.
If Mr Stock would like to do so, the best way to raise his concerns with how a particular issue has been handled by the police is to make a formal complaint. The Government recognises the need for a formal system of police complaints that enables members of the public to raise concerns about the service they have received. Police complaints are dealt with under a comprehensive legislative framework which sets out the duties of the police themselves in handling complaints; as well as the role and functions of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the body which provides oversight of police complaints and investigates the most serious and sensitive matters involving the police.
I must point out that while the Government is responsible for the legislation under which police complaints are handled, it would not be appropriate for Ministers or officials to comment on, or intervene in, a specific case. This reflects the operational independence of the police and the need for the police to be able to carry out their duties, and make decisions, free from political influence.
When a complaint is made it is right that the police have an opportunity to consider and respond to the matters raised. At the same time, the Government recognises that public confidence is vital and therefore by law, police forces must refer the most serious allegations about the conduct of a person serving with the police to the IOPC. This ensures an independent decision is taken, in each such case, on how the complaint should be handled. In Mr Stock’s case, a complaint should be made directly to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. Information about how to complain can be found on their website at: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/search?q=how+to+make+a+complaint.
Alternatively, a complaint can also be made via an online form available on the website of the IOPC at: https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/complaints/submit-a-complaint.
A short guide to the police complaints system is also available on the IOPC’s website at: https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/complaints/guide-to-complaints-process.
If Mr Stock would like to seek legal advice about his case, he can do so through the Law Centre or Citizens Advice, both of which provide free advice. The Law Centre can be found by contacting the Law Centres Federation on 020 7842 0720, or by accessing their website at: www.lawcentres.org.uk. Mr Stock’s nearest Citizens Advice can be found by accessing their website at: www.citizensadvice.org.uk or if he would like to speak to an adviser, he can call their advice line on 0800 144 8848.
Yours sincerely,
Lord Hanson of Flint
