An apology to the family of Daniel Morgan

The following is a joint statement agreed between the Metropolitan Police Service and the family of Daniel Morgan.

The family of Daniel Morgan proposed to bring civil claims arising out of his murder on 10 March 1987 and the ensuing investigations into that murder, against the Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

As a result of a formal mediation process in July 2023, the parties were able to agree a mutually satisfactory settlement of the proposed claims, including an admission of liability on behalf of the Commissioner in respect of the conduct of his officers in response to the murder.

At the request of the family of Daniel Morgan, all other terms of the settlement are confidential to the parties. Accordingly, the parties will not be making any further comments to the media about the terms of settlement or the mediation.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: "I unequivocally and unreservedly apologise for the failure of the Metropolitan Police Service to bring those responsible for the murder of Daniel Morgan to justice. From the earliest stages, his family have been repeatedly and inexcusably let down by the Metropolitan Police.

"This case has been marred by a cycle of corruption, professional incompetence, and defensiveness that has repeated itself over and over again. Daniel Morgan’s family were given empty promises and false hope as successive investigations failed and the Metropolitan Police prioritised its reputation at the expense of transparency and effectiveness.

"No words can do justice to the pain and suffering that has been a feature of the family’s lives for more than three decades as they have fought for justice, a fight which no family should have to endure. Their tenacious campaigning has exposed multiple and systemic failings in this organisation.

"I have met with the family and listened to vivid and moving accounts of the devastating impact those failings have had on their lives. They have explained how their trust in policing has been eroded. The personal commitment I made to tackling corruption in this organisation when I took over as Commissioner has never been stronger."

Since the murder of Daniel Morgan thousands of lines of inquiry have been pursued and six extensive investigations conducted.

There have been numerous independent assessments and five forensic reviews.

We have not given up on this case. There still remains a possibility of solving this murder. Our work to make that happen will not stop no matter how much time passes.

A forensic review of several key items of evidence commissioned in 2021 remains ongoing.

In other cases significant advances in DNA and forensic technology have led to new and compelling evidence coming to light and successful convictions.

We also know there are people who hold vital information who have been unable for whatever reason to pass that to us.

A reward of £50,000 is available for information leading to the successful prosecution of those responsible for the murder.

This is one of the largest rewards ever made available by a UK police service.

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.