MP Diane Abbott is calling for an end to random stop and search methods, after a European court rejected a government appeal.
The MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, who is standing in the Labour leadership election, welcomed the European High Court’s decision that the coalition government could not challenge a ruling that random stop and searches were illegal.
Ms Abbott said: “I am pleased with the High Court’s decision. I have always had great concerns about the erosion of our civil liberties in this post 9/11 society and have made my feelings well known in the House.
“Non-evidence-based and random stop and search has always been ineffective and indefensible. It often does more harm than good by damaging community relations and is well known to target black and Asian men unfairly. It is also heavy on police time, often with little result, and is a gross invasion of privacy.”
She vowed to scrap the policy as Labour leader.
The Home Office says it is reviewing counter-terror laws after the European High Court’s decision.
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