New West Midlands Police chief says religion will not affect his work as force ramps up Solihull faith patrols

The new Chief Constable of West Midlands Police has said religion, politics and activism will not influence his policing decisions as the force continues to increase patrols around Jewish communities in Solihull.

Scott Green was confirmed as the permanent Chief Constable on Monday, September 28, having served as acting chief since January.

Speaking to the West Midlands Police and Crime Panel before his appointment was confirmed, Green said his decisions would be based on “law, evidence, professional policing standards, threat harm and risk” rather than “political, religious, social, activism driven or unconscious bias pressures”.

He also told the panel: “I will tell the commissioner what he needs to hear rather than what he might want to hear.”

His comments come after a period of scrutiny for West Midlands Police over the handling of the Aston Villa match against Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park in November 2025.

Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were prevented from attending the Europa League fixture after a decision by Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group.

A subsequent Home Affairs Committee investigation found that West Midlands Police had failed to engage directly with Birmingham's Jewish community early enough before the decision.

The committee said the failure to consult the local Jewish community weakened the force's decision-making and damaged its relationship with the community. It also said there was no evidence that antisemitism was a motivating factor behind the decision, although the lack of engagement provided a basis for some people to perceive the ban as antisemitic.

The controversy is not over.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is continuing an investigation into the involvement of former Chief Constable Craig Guildford, three officers and a member of staff in the planning and preparation for the fixture. The investigation was launched after the decision to prohibit Maccabi supporters attracted national and international attention.

Since the match, West Midlands Police has said it has taken steps to rebuild trust with the Jewish community, including greater engagement and a commitment to investigate reported antisemitic hate crime.

That work now has a direct Solihull element.

West Midlands Police is currently running dedicated patrols at key Jewish locations in both Birmingham and Solihull during the Jewish High Holy Days.

The operation began ahead of the latest period of religious celebrations and is due to continue until Simchat Torah on October 4.

Residents can expect increased police visibility around synagogues and surrounding areas, with local officers carrying out foot patrols alongside armed and unarmed officers, specialist units and engagement staff. The force also says there are additional security measures that will not be visible to the public.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Andy Parsons said the operation was designed to provide reassurance and protect Jewish communities, while stressing that police did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the public linked to recent events.

He said officers would work to “deter intimidation” and “enforce the law”, while asking residents to remain vigilant and report concerns.

The current patrols therefore come at a significant point for the force, with Green taking permanent charge while West Midlands Police continues efforts to rebuild confidence among communities affected by previous policing decisions.

Green joined West Midlands Police as deputy chief constable in 2023 and became acting chief constable in January this year.

Following confirmation of his appointment, he said it was important for the force to listen to communities and focus on issues affecting local people, with building trust among his priorities.

His comments on religion and impartiality now provide a clear indication of how he says he intends to approach that relationship — with policing decisions based on evidence and professional standards rather than pressure from any particular religious, political or activist group.