Sir Ian Blair to speak at University

is to visit the University of Wolverhampton.

Sir Ian will give a guest lecture on Tuesday, February 9, 2010.

Sir Ian held the top policing job in the country from 2004-08. After only five months in the role of commissioner, the July 7 bombings on buses and tubes hit London in the worst terrorist atrocity in English history.

As commissioner, Sir Ian had the difficult task of treading a skilful line in keeping the public and the media on side, as well as the politicians. He led a force of 53,000 police officers and other staff, and managed a £3bn annual budget, in the battle to keep crime under control and terrorism at bay. In addition, Sir Ian oversaw an immense programme of change management within the police force.

Following his resignation in 2008, Sir Ian wrote his autobiography,‘Policing Controversy’, giving his perspective on the Met, Scotland Yard, policing on the street and leadership and resilience under pressure.

He will visit the University of Wolverhampton’s City Campus on Tuesday, February 9 2010 to talk about his experiences. The lecture is in room MC001 at 1pm.

The public lecture has been organised by terrorism and conflict expert, Dr George Kassimeris. He said: “Sir Ian Blair was the top ranking police officer during an extremely turbulent period of this country’s history. He faced extraordinary pressure and was answerable to three bosses – the Home Secretary, the Mayor of London and the Metropolitan Police Authority. I am sure his insights will be interesting and thought-provoking, and we look forward to welcoming him to the University of Wolverhampton for this special lecture.”

Sir Ian attended Wrekin College in Shropshire. His book ‘Policing Controversy’, is published by Profile books and is available from all major bookstores and online.

Further information

For media inquiries please contact Vickie Warren in the University of Wolverhampton Media Relations Office on 01902 322736 or email v.warren@wlv.ac.uk

For information on Sir Ian Blair contact Rachel Froggatt or Sarah Locke at Braben on 0207 0258021 or email rachel@braben.co.uk or sarah@braben.co.uk