Operation Conifer is a now complete 2 year investigation by Wiltshire police, into historic child sex abuse allegations against former Prime Minister, Sir Edward Heath. Despite relentless commentary and criticism from friends and family of Edward Heath, it can be noted that Chief Constable Mike Veale investigated with integrity and transparency, the allegations made by 40 individuals. The report found that if Heath was still alive, 7 of these allegations would lead to his being interviewed under caution. The duty of the investigating team was to follow evidence and present facts. The report makes no indication of innocence or guilt, and does not encourage hypothetical thinking of such. Heath died in 2005, ten years prior to the beginning of the investigation.
During and after the inquiry, Mike Veale faced fierce criticism for his handling of the case, but anonymous allegations of misconduct have so far been rejected by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
A statement from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said: "We received a referral from the Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner in November 2017 detailing anonymous allegations about Chief Constable Mike Veale relating to Wiltshire's investigation into Sir Edward Heath. "After a thorough assessment, we decided the part of the referral relating to the disclosure of confidential information was insufficient to indicate either a criminal offence may have been committed or a breach of professional standards.”
According to this recent BBC report, Veale is now facing opposition to his recently accepted post as Cleveland Police’s chief officer. Referring to Veale's Operation Conifer investigation, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said the investigation "massively" affected his confidence over Mr Veale's appointment at Cleveland Police and that Mike’s position “is not right for the people of Tees Valley.” Some may join me in wondering why a Police Chief who investigates serious allegations of child sex abuse is not right for the people.
Here, The Guardian provides a reasonable summary of key points of the police report. An informative closure report including a video statement by Mike Veale gives insight into how the investigation was carried out diligently with competence and professionalism.
Veale says the Operation Conifer investigation signals a “watershed moment for people and victims who have suggested or implied there has been a state cover up for senior figures who may have been involved in child abuse.” With reference to the [IICSA] requirements to identify exploitation by people of public prominence associated with Westminster he says, “I particularly welcome their focus upon allegations of institutional cover up and conspiracy and that they will review the inadequacies of law enforcement responses to these allegations. In light of this, the legitimacy, the legality of this investigation is more relevant and more crucial than ever before. The public interest in this case is clear and unequivocal. The statutory responsibility as the Chief Constable to have conducted this investigation without fear or favour, I trust is now obvious to all.”
Veale goes on to offer reassurance to victims and survivors, acknowledging their bravery for coming forward, and promising to investigate allegations seriously, no matter how difficult it may be, before closing with a pronounced defiance against critics:
“The scrutinizing panel believes the investigation was fair, sensitive and rigorous, this applies to complainants and suspects including Sir Edward Heath. I am proud of the team’s compassion towards victims and survivors throughout this investigation. The team have conducted themselves with diligence and expertise. Their values have enabled this investigation to be completed to the letter of the national Police Chief’s guidance. They have not buckled under the pressure of relentless external speculation and criticism. They have not lost sight of the need to fulfill the principles of this investigation. They have maintained the highest standards of professionalism in the face of persistent negative commentary, to ensure that this investigation has not been hijacked or derailed. For that, for their dedication and commitment to carrying out their roles without fear or favor, they are to be commended and I thank each and every one of them for their service.”
The most serious allegation against Heath was the rape of an 11 year old boy in 1961. It is worth noting that some media outlets have disputed this and other allegations, in an attempt to discredit the witness (victim) and thus, the investigation overall.
One of the reasons many child abuse victims don’t speak out is because they expect not to be believed. It’s a societal issue. The subject of child abuse has always been a taboo subject, quite convenient for those who offend. The psychological reasons behind choosing to stay silent are complex, but already at such a young age, most children can calculate the repercussions, when accusing an elder of sexual abuse and not being believed. The odds can be multiplied when the accused is a figure of high standing, in government, for example. To hear Mike Veale speak supportingly to witnesses is refreshing in a system that has historically ignored victims of institutional abuse.
Whilst Edward Heath’s friends would like to sideline the accusations, it is a basic human right to protect an individual from abuse of power by the State. Whilst there are no winners, Operation Conifer is a step forward in hearing the voice of victims and for those seeking justice through real investigation.