Oi, Home Office - shut it

Splendid news from The Guardian about Nick Hardwick, chairman of the Independent Police Complaints Commission, who is leading the inquiry into the execution of Mr de Menezes. It would seem that he understands the meaning of the word INDEPENDENT and will not be brow beaten by government propaganda.

Home Office slated over shot Brazilian

The Home Office was strongly criticised today by the man heading the inquiry into the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes. Nick Hardwick, chairman of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), said the department should stop issuing "partial information" after government officials released details about the immigration status of the 27-year-old Brazilian electrician, who was mistaken by police for a suicide bomber. He added that people should "shut up" until his independent investigation had established the facts.

The Home Office should be particularly chastened by

Mr Hardwick's comments came after the Home Office yesterday confirmed Mr De Menezes' visa had expired and implied he had a forged stamp in his passport. Officials said a stamp appearing to give Mr De Menezes "indefinite leave to remain" in Britain had not been in use by immigration officials on the date indicated in his passport. His student visa ran out in June 2003, the Home Office confirmed.

"It's entirely irrelevant information," Mr Hardwick said today. "I'm rather surprised the Home Office should issue it. We won't be releasing partial information until we've independently established the facts.

I only hope Mr Hardwick doesn't carry a rucksack to work over his bulky coat.