Policing minister promises a new facial recognition law with 'safeguards' and a watchdog that could block forces using it

Policing minister Sarah Jones has announced plans for new legislation to establish legal "parameters and principles" governing live facial recognition, backed by an independent watchdog with the power to prevent police forces deploying the technology in exceptional circumstances. Jones said a government consultation showed the public were broadly supportive but wanted assurance the system would not be deployed for minor offences. The Met reports its cameras have already resulted in more than 3,000 arrests over two years.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell, a senior Met officer, is advocating for a national shared 'watchlist' that would allow forces to pool intelligence on wanted criminals across force boundaries.

Privacy group Big Brother Watch warns the technology is "an indiscriminate tool" that treats every passer-by as a suspect by default.

Fixed cameras are planned for parts of London's West End and Soho, expanding beyond the mobile vans currently used for most deployments.