“Snooping” from British authorities “started during Covid”, ex-Deputy Chair of UKIP Suzanne Evans has claimed during a scathing rant.
She was speaking in reaction to Essex Police closing an investigation into Telegraph columnist Allison Pearson.
The probe related to alleged incitement of racial hatred over a post online that has since been deleted.
The force visited Pearson on Remembrance Sunday about the year-old post on social media platform X.
Suzanne Evans discussed the Allison Pearson verdict on GB News
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Speaking on GB News, Evans accused the police of “snooping” as she joined many public figures in condemning their handling of the case.
“This snooping started in Covid”, she said.
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The matter was discussed on GB News
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“It started in Covid when the Government was actively encouraging people to grass up their neighbours. It’s got to stop.”
Ex-London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey criticised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, saying he should have taken more hands-on approach to the situation
“He could actually do something in Parliament”, he said.
“A steer from him would have been important. There would have been police officers across the country responding to something from the prime minister.”
Allison Pearson was visited by police GB NEWSEssex Police had been carrying out an investigation under the Public Order Act but said on Thursday that it decided to take “no further action” after the Crown Prosecution Service advised that no charges should be brought.
The force added that the National Police Chiefs’ Council hate crime lead has agreed to conduct an independent review into the force’s handling of the matter.
An Essex Police spokesman said: “We investigate crimes reported to us without fear or favour.
“We’re sometimes faced with allegations of crime where people have strong opposing views.
“That’s why we work so hard to remain impartial and to investigate allegations, regardless of where they might lead.”