Police spied on group set up to expose wrongdoing in Met, inquiry hears

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Rob EvansDecember 14, 2025 at 09:00 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

A public inquiry revealed that undercover police officers spied on the Hackney Community Defence Association (HCDA), a London-based group formed to expose police misconduct, for a decade between 1988 and 1998. The HCDA, established in response to police brutality and racism, aided victims of police violence in taking legal action against the Metropolitan Police and helped uncover evidence of police corruption. Reports compiled by undercover officers contained personal information about the HCDA's founder, Graham Smith. The inquiry is examining the conduct of undercover officers who spied on predominantly left-wing campaigners from 1968 to at least 2010. The Metropolitan Police has conceded that spying on the HCDA, which was engaged in legitimate activities, was wrong.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

London 40% Metropolitan police ×260% Hackney Community Defence Association (HCDA) ×370% Graham Smith ×280%

Keywords

police spying 90% hackney community defence association 90% undercover officers 80% metropolitan police 70% surveillance 70% police corruption 70% police brutality 60% wrongdoing 60% public inquiry 60% legal action 50%