April 2008

"What do you want the Metropolitan Police to do about it?" That was the disappointing response to our call about a bike which had been stolen and dumped opposite our house in Southgate. Constituents at my drop in surgery in Bowes Library last week expressed linked concerns that acts of vandalism and theft go unreported due to a resignation that nothing will be done. I know that our local safer neighbourhood teams work hard and make a significant difference in areas like Palmers Green. However there remains an underlying need for more police officers available to respond more quickly to crime and prevent disorder.

The police as well as the public need confidence in the criminal justice system. We do not need another murder in Edmonton to tell us we expect anyone charged with carrying a knife to go to prison. Courts should not tolerate the excuses often heard that "I forgot" or "it was for my own protection".

Police powers were debated in Parliament last week with the Government determined to increase detention of terrorist suspects before charge from 28 to 42 days. I am guided by the advice of the head of the Crown Prosecution Service, the Director of Public Prosecutions, who says there is no need to go beyond 28 days. As the country with the longest pre-charge detention period of any comparable liberal democracy and given the lack of evidence for the Government’s proposals I would oppose the extension.

We do not tend to assume that possession of cannabis will lead to prosecution. Yet, with the increasing potency of 'skunk' and its link to mental illness it is imperative that the Government restores the 'Class B' classification of cannabis. If not I will personally invite a Government Minister to join me on one of my regular visits to our local mental health units to see the damage cannabis can cause.

Whether it is theft, knife crime or terrorism, the police need our support to fight crime effectively. This can best be achieved by having more police using their existing powers, free from unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy.