Key facts
- Metropolitan Police ordered to reinvestigate Graham Linehan's arrest complaint.
- IOPC found Met's initial complaint investigation inadequate.
- Linehan alleges discrimination due to gender-critical beliefs.
- Arrest was in September 2025 at Heathrow Airport.
- Linehan received an apology and settlement from the Met.
The Metropolitan Police has been ordered by its regulator, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), to reinvestigate a complaint concerning the arrest of Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan. Linehan was detained at Heathrow Airport in September 2025 on suspicion of inciting violence over posts made on X (formerly Twitter). Following the arrest, Linehan received an apology and a reported settlement of £25,000 from the Met after filing a civil claim. In May 2026, Linehan requested a review of the Met's handling of his complaint, alleging discrimination based on his gender-critical beliefs. The IOPC, in October 2026, ruled that the initial investigation was not reasonable or proportionate, directing Scotland Yard to re-examine the discrimination allegations, as well as concerns regarding the grounds for arrest and Linehan's bail conditions. The watchdog stated that Linehan has a further right of review if he remains dissatisfied with the outcome of the reinvestigation.