Met Police reveals reason plans to introduce unisex uniforms rejected

The Metropolitan Police has rejected plans to introduce gender neutral uniforms after officers overwhelmingly opposed the move in a consultation.

The force launched a review of its uniform policy after it was suggested it could be in breach of the Equality Act 2010 by not giving non-binary and gender-fluid officers separate uniforms.

An officer, who went by the name of Alex Blue, previously told The Sun that failing to provide an alternative to gendered uniforms could constitute indirect discrimination. 

A spokesperson for the force denied the claim at the time, saying clothing is provided for officers with 'protected characteristics'. However, a consultation was launched involving 30,000 officers.

Now, The Sun has reported that the outcome of the consultation has favoured gendered uniforms and the contract for the force's current supplier has been extended to 2026.

Met chiefs said the decision was made to prevent officers from being caused 'discomfort or injury in gear not 'designed for (the correct) body shape or physical characteristics', The Sun reported.

In July this year, more than 200,000 police officers and staff were invited to give their views on uniforms as part of a national survey run by Lancaster University and the Police Federation.

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Police lash out over 'woke' unisex uniforms that cops claim crushes male officers' testicles

Male police officers in Gwent complained their ill-fitting trousers were so tight that their manhoods were put at risk of being crushed, while female officers were reportedly unhappy about the lack of space given 'between waist and the crotch'.

Lancaster University Law School researchers Dr Camilla De Camargo and Dr Stephanie Wallace spearheaded the survey to understand key issues and areas needing improvement. 

In a press statement, they said: 'This is an exciting opportunity for those wearing uniforms to voice their concerns and influence changes in uniform policies.' 

Dr De Camargo had previously written a doctoral thesis which found police uniforms and stab vests were traditionally designed by men, for men and tailored to masculine body shapes, which was impacting female officers' performance, health and safety, morale and psychological wellbeing. 

Belinda Goodwin, national board member and wellbeing lead for the police union, told The Sun: 'During a survey, Gwent police male officers complained of experiencing crushed testicles.

'All of this plays into how officers and staff feel on the job and that cannot be understated.'

But Benjamin Elk of the Taxpayers' Alliance dismissed the survey as a 'farce' and 'distraction' to officers fighting crime. 

A spokesperson for Met Police said: 'The Met continues to provide male and female uniforms and equipment to officers.

'Doing so is important because wearing or using items not suitably designed for your body shape or physical characteristics can be the cause of discomfort and injury. 

'In the past, we haven’t always been good enough at ensuring that female officers in particular could access uniforms that were the right shape and fit, but we have taken steps in recent years to improve that.

'There will of course be some items of uniform or equipment that are more generic and are the same for men and women.'