MPs move to end police immunity for misconduct in investigations

Backbench MPs are seeking to overturn a 2025 Court of Appeal ruling that grants police officers immunity from civil lawsuits for conduct during criminal investigations, warning of "devastating consequences" for crime victims. The ruling applies to England and Wales. Conservative Andrew Mitchell and Labour's Jess Phillips have submitted an amendment to a bill debated in Parliament next week to block immunity in cases involving fabricated evidence, dishonesty, negligence, or reckless disclosure of confidential victim information. The judgment could also be challenged at a Supreme Court appeal this month. The ruling stemmed from a domestic violence victim whose secret refuge address was disclosed by Sussex Police to the Crown Prosecution Service, forcing her to flee again. A government review into police accountability is ongoing, while critics warn of an "accountability gap" for forces failing victims.