If Justice is Blind, Why Can’t the CPS See?

We’ve all seen the video: two men violently assaulting police officers at Manchester Airport in broad daylight. It’s there, on film, clear as day. The officers, trying to do their jobs, were viciously attacked, one suffering a broken nose. The footage doesn’t lie. The crime is as blatant as it gets, and yet, here we are, months later, with no charges brought against the attackers.

This is the reality of two-tier policing. It’s not just a buzzword thrown around to stir up emotions—it’s something that the public is witnessing firsthand. When those involved in recent riots were charged and sentenced almost immediately, why have the men responsible for such a violent assault on police officers been left untouched?

It’s why Reform UK’s decision to step in and initiate a private prosecution is so significant. If the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) won’t act, then Reform will. And let’s be clear—this is not how things should work in a functioning democracy. The CPS shouldn’t need prodding to prosecute violent offenders. The fact that they’ve dragged their feet for so long raises serious questions about their priorities and, frankly, their competence.

Justice Must Be Seen to Be Done

People are losing faith. And who can blame them? It’s right there in the open, on CCTV—yet nothing has happened. The public is not stupid; they can see the footage, they know what went down. The officers were attacked while trying to enforce the law, yet the criminals involved remain free.

When you create an environment where people think the law only applies to some, while others get a pass, you’re asking for trouble. And it’s even worse when the victims are police officers—the very people responsible for upholding the law. When those officers are attacked and the attackers face no consequences, what message does that send to the rest of society? That you can assault a police officer and get away with it?

This is exactly what Reform UK is fighting against. By stepping in with the threat of a private prosecution, they are reminding the government and the justice system that the public won’t tolerate this. There cannot be one law for one group, and another for the rest of us.

Why This Should Have Never Been Necessary

The fact that it has come to this is an embarrassment for the CPS and the government. This is a case that should have been handled quickly and decisively. The evidence is indisputable, the footage widespread, and the public attention immense. Why, then, has nothing been done?

It raises serious questions about whether the CPS is truly working in the public’s interest. Is it fear of backlash? Is it politically motivated? Or are they simply overwhelmed and incapable of doing their job?

Whatever the reason, it doesn’t hold water. When you’ve got a video of the crime, you don’t need to drag your feet for months. You act. Swiftly. Decisively. Because the longer you wait, the more damage is done—not just to the individuals involved, but to the very fabric of public trust in the justice system.

Two-Tier Policing: Real or Perceived, It’s Dangerous Either Way

Some may argue that the concept of two-tier policing is an exaggeration. But here’s the truth: perception is reality. And right now, the public perceives that there is a two-tier system. They see it in cases like the Manchester Airport attack. They saw it when those involved in riots were fast-tracked into the justice system while police officers were left waiting for justice after being assaulted.

And it’s not just about the perception of fairness, either. It’s about the very real consequences of a justice system that appears selective in who it punishes. When violent criminals walk free, while others are swiftly prosecuted, you create a climate of distrust and fear. People stop believing that the system will protect them. They start to wonder whether they’ll be the next ones ignored.

Reform UK’s Fight for Fairness

Reform UK’s intervention in this case isn’t just about one incident at Manchester Airport. It’s about standing up for the principle that all individuals, no matter who they are, should be treated equally under the law. Reform’s commitment to privately prosecute, if the CPS refuses to act, sends a clear message: we won’t let this slide.

There’s something deeply wrong when a private political party has to step in to ensure justice is served. This should be the job of the CPS. But the fact that it’s not happening speaks volumes about the current state of our justice system. Reform UK is picking up the slack where the government is failing.

And they’re not alone. The public is behind them. People have had enough of watching the law be selectively applied. They’ve had enough of watching violent offenders get off scot-free while regular citizens are held to a different standard. Reform is tapping into this anger, this frustration, and giving people a voice in the fight for true justice.

The Importance of Restoring Trust

This case is about more than just prosecuting two violent offenders. It’s about restoring faith in the system. Because when people lose trust in the law, they lose trust in society. And when that happens, it’s not just the justice system that’s at risk—it’s the whole social contract.

Reform UK understands this. They understand that justice must be seen to be done, not just spoken about in abstract terms. By stepping in where the CPS has failed, they’re showing the country that there are still those willing to fight for fairness, for equality, and for justice.

This is a defining moment—not just for the Manchester Airport case, but for the future of our justice system.

*Originally Published on The New Reformer