31/03/2005
Howard to 'wipe the smile' off criminals' faces
Conservative leader Michael Howard has announced tough plans to deal with yobbish behaviour on British streets.
Planning to "wipe the smile" off "yobs" faces, in a get tough speech on crime, Mr Howard said that police should have the confidence to "eyeball" hooligans, "invade their body space" and "challenge and confront" any unacceptable behaviour.
Mr Howard said that a Conservative government would "beef up police muscle power" and make combating "thuggery" a priority.
The Conservative leader accused the Labour government of "losing the plot" on crime. He said: "Decent hard working families are regularly intimidated by yobs on their streets and in their town centres. It makes me sick that people have to put up with this kind of nonsense.
"In today's Britain no one seems prepared to take a stand - to hold these arrogant young yobs to account for their appalling behaviour. Instead of yobs being afraid of the police, ordinary folk are afraid of yobs. In Britain we are in real danger of slipping into defensive policing. Mr Blair is creating a culture which puts moral correctness, form filling and box ticking before intervening and confronting criminal behaviour - however minor."
Mr Howard said that a Conservative government would make the police more accountable, by making forces publish weekly crime statistics on the internet so that local communities could see the progress being made in tackling crime.
Other plans unveiled by Mr Howard during his speech included: recruiting more police; scrapping central targets; cutting 'red tape' and giving local people the power to decide how their communities are policed.
(KMcA/SP)
Planning to "wipe the smile" off "yobs" faces, in a get tough speech on crime, Mr Howard said that police should have the confidence to "eyeball" hooligans, "invade their body space" and "challenge and confront" any unacceptable behaviour.
Mr Howard said that a Conservative government would "beef up police muscle power" and make combating "thuggery" a priority.
The Conservative leader accused the Labour government of "losing the plot" on crime. He said: "Decent hard working families are regularly intimidated by yobs on their streets and in their town centres. It makes me sick that people have to put up with this kind of nonsense.
"In today's Britain no one seems prepared to take a stand - to hold these arrogant young yobs to account for their appalling behaviour. Instead of yobs being afraid of the police, ordinary folk are afraid of yobs. In Britain we are in real danger of slipping into defensive policing. Mr Blair is creating a culture which puts moral correctness, form filling and box ticking before intervening and confronting criminal behaviour - however minor."
Mr Howard said that a Conservative government would make the police more accountable, by making forces publish weekly crime statistics on the internet so that local communities could see the progress being made in tackling crime.
Other plans unveiled by Mr Howard during his speech included: recruiting more police; scrapping central targets; cutting 'red tape' and giving local people the power to decide how their communities are policed.
(KMcA/SP)
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Airports Commission Supports Third Heathrow Runway
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The Airports Commission has voiced its support for a third runway at Heathrow. In its report, it said the expansion would add a further £147bn in economic growth, and create 70,000 jobs by 2050. It would also provide around 40 new destinations for Britain.
24 June 2014
Public Warned 'Not To Approach' Mental Health Escapee
Police are warning the public not to approach a patient who fled from Homerton mental health facility on Saturday. Anthony Knowles, 48, disappeared from the Jon Howard Centre in Homerton. Knowles is described as 5ft 8 inches with a "noticeable limp". He has tattoos on both arms and a scar on his left eyelid.
Public Warned 'Not To Approach' Mental Health Escapee
Police are warning the public not to approach a patient who fled from Homerton mental health facility on Saturday. Anthony Knowles, 48, disappeared from the Jon Howard Centre in Homerton. Knowles is described as 5ft 8 inches with a "noticeable limp". He has tattoos on both arms and a scar on his left eyelid.
25 March 2005
Flight sacked from Conservative party
Conservative leader Michael Howard has announced that the party whip is to be withdrawn from Howard Flight. Michael Howard issued a statement, which said: "We will be totally straight with the British people. We will not say one thing in private and another thing in public. Everyone in my party has to sign up to that. If not, they're out.
Flight sacked from Conservative party
Conservative leader Michael Howard has announced that the party whip is to be withdrawn from Howard Flight. Michael Howard issued a statement, which said: "We will be totally straight with the British people. We will not say one thing in private and another thing in public. Everyone in my party has to sign up to that. If not, they're out.
09 October 2003
Four die in Liverpool's 'worst crash this year'
Four people were killed last night in what emergency services have described as "one of the worst road crashes seen in Liverpool this year". The victims, who were all in their 60s, were travelling in a silver Vauxhall Corsa which smashed through metal barriers on Great Howard Street and landed on its roof in a ditch created by roadworks.
Four die in Liverpool's 'worst crash this year'
Four people were killed last night in what emergency services have described as "one of the worst road crashes seen in Liverpool this year". The victims, who were all in their 60s, were travelling in a silver Vauxhall Corsa which smashed through metal barriers on Great Howard Street and landed on its roof in a ditch created by roadworks.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.