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10/08/2004
Tories unveil 'zero tolerance' crime strategy
Releasing police from the shackles of targets and red tape, removing the culture of political correctness and promoting a zero tolerance approach, would the cornerstones of a Tory government's anti-crime strategy, party leader Michael Howard has said today.
The Opposition leader's vision also calls for 40,000 more police officers, a major new prison building programme, a tough crackdown on school violence, and action designed to "restore the nation's self-respect".
In a speech on law and order in Middlesborough today, the Conservative Leader unveiled plans for a radical shake-up in which police forces would be "encouraged to challenge every level of crime and disorder".
Mr Howard blamed "sociological mumbo-jumbo" for blurring the distinction between right and wrong.
"It is not public relations that people want, it is effective policing. Conservatives will give the police a simple, clear objective – to prevent crime and disorder. We need to police our streets – not de-police them. We need a police force which intervenes, confronts and challenges every kind of crime and disorder – from graffiti and litter to burglary and robbery. In short we need zero tolerance policing," he said.
Mr Howard slammed the McPherson Report recommendations that the police keep a record of every stop they make, and that anyone stopped by the police should be able to see a record of that paperwork, and warned that the bureaucracy involved could "bog down individual officers, and discourage them from stepping troublemakers".
Far from adopting the recommendations, a Tory government would increase stop and search as part of the solution to rising crime, he said.
"Conservatives will stand up for the silent, law abiding majority who play by the rules and pay their dues. We will put their rights first. Like them, I have had enough of the culture of political correctness – which is designed to blur the distinction between right and wrong. And like them I have had enough of excuses for poor behaviour and crime. If we are to tackle crime, we must begin to challenge these attitudes head on," he said.
(gmcg)
The Opposition leader's vision also calls for 40,000 more police officers, a major new prison building programme, a tough crackdown on school violence, and action designed to "restore the nation's self-respect".
In a speech on law and order in Middlesborough today, the Conservative Leader unveiled plans for a radical shake-up in which police forces would be "encouraged to challenge every level of crime and disorder".
Mr Howard blamed "sociological mumbo-jumbo" for blurring the distinction between right and wrong.
"It is not public relations that people want, it is effective policing. Conservatives will give the police a simple, clear objective – to prevent crime and disorder. We need to police our streets – not de-police them. We need a police force which intervenes, confronts and challenges every kind of crime and disorder – from graffiti and litter to burglary and robbery. In short we need zero tolerance policing," he said.
Mr Howard slammed the McPherson Report recommendations that the police keep a record of every stop they make, and that anyone stopped by the police should be able to see a record of that paperwork, and warned that the bureaucracy involved could "bog down individual officers, and discourage them from stepping troublemakers".
Far from adopting the recommendations, a Tory government would increase stop and search as part of the solution to rising crime, he said.
"Conservatives will stand up for the silent, law abiding majority who play by the rules and pay their dues. We will put their rights first. Like them, I have had enough of the culture of political correctness – which is designed to blur the distinction between right and wrong. And like them I have had enough of excuses for poor behaviour and crime. If we are to tackle crime, we must begin to challenge these attitudes head on," he said.
(gmcg)
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10 February 2005
Conservatives propose local police commissioners
Conservative leader, Michael Howard, has announced plans to introduce local police commissioners, as part of the party's law and order policy. Mr Howard unveiled plans to replace "remote and unaccountable" police authorities across England and Wales, with directly elected local police commissioners.
Conservatives propose local police commissioners
Conservative leader, Michael Howard, has announced plans to introduce local police commissioners, as part of the party's law and order policy. Mr Howard unveiled plans to replace "remote and unaccountable" police authorities across England and Wales, with directly elected local police commissioners.
31 March 2005
Howard to 'wipe the smile' off criminals' faces
Conservative leader Michael Howard has announced tough plans to deal with yobbish behaviour on British streets.
Howard to 'wipe the smile' off criminals' faces
Conservative leader Michael Howard has announced tough plans to deal with yobbish behaviour on British streets.
05 October 2004
Howard pledges "less talk, more action"
An incoming Conservative government would make a "war on crime" the centrepiece of its plans to make Britain a country envied around the world, Conservative leader Michael Howard has pledged.
Howard pledges "less talk, more action"
An incoming Conservative government would make a "war on crime" the centrepiece of its plans to make Britain a country envied around the world, Conservative leader Michael Howard has pledged.
23 September 2005
Howard seeks 'open' approach to Iraq
Conservative leader Michael Howard has demanded an "open and honest" response from the Government on the situation in Basra. Earlier this week, the Iraqi Governor in Basra declared that there would be no further co-operation until an apology is made for an incident where two British soldiers were rescued from militia.
Howard seeks 'open' approach to Iraq
Conservative leader Michael Howard has demanded an "open and honest" response from the Government on the situation in Basra. Earlier this week, the Iraqi Governor in Basra declared that there would be no further co-operation until an apology is made for an incident where two British soldiers were rescued from militia.
04 May 2005
Election race reaches final day
The leaders of the three main political parties have been continuing to campaign furiously on the last day of campaigning before the General Election. Prime Minister Tony Blair was joined by all the members of his Cabinet in Finchley, one of the key marginal seats at this election.
Election race reaches final day
The leaders of the three main political parties have been continuing to campaign furiously on the last day of campaigning before the General Election. Prime Minister Tony Blair was joined by all the members of his Cabinet in Finchley, one of the key marginal seats at this election.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
