Opposition Day — Crime and Policing — 8 Sep 2010 at 18:45

The majority of MPs voted to reject criticism of the government's policing related policies and in favour of introducing elected Police and Crime Commissioners.

The text of the rejected motion was as follows:

• That this House
• notes with concern the Government's failure to prioritise the safety of communities by not protecting central Government funding for the police;
• notes the conclusion of the Audit Commission and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary that any budget reduction over 12 per cent. will reduce frontline policing; pays tribute to the police and other agencies for achieving a 43 per cent. reduction in crime, including a 42 per cent. cut in violent crime, since 1997, and for maintaining that reduction through last year's recession;
• notes that public perception of anti-social behaviour is at its lowest level since it was recorded in the British Crime Survey of 2001-02;
• further notes that the previous Government set out plans in its Policing White Paper to drive down policing costs whilst maintaining core funding; and
• condemns the Government's policy of reducing police numbers, restricting police powers and imposing elected commissioners to replace police authorities, thus condemning the police service to unnecessary, unwelcome and costly re-structuring at a time when their focus should be on maintaining the fall in crime and anti-social behaviour.

Debate in Parliament | Source |