Changes to law would give police ‘licence to kill’, UK rights groups warn

Review into accountability soon to report as police seek greater protection from prosecution over use of force

Police want changes to the law giving them a licence to kill", leading rights groups have warned as the government prepares to give officers new protections from prosecution.

A government-ordered review into police accountability is expected to report within weeks. It followed fears of a walkout by angry armed officers in London after a police marksman, Martyn Blake, was tried for murder over the shooting of Chris Kaba. Blake was acquitted in October by a jury in three hours.