Menu
10/01/2007
Commons row erupts over foreign offences
Home Secretary John Reid has clashed with the Conservatives over the revelation that fewer than half of the UK criminals who committed serious crimes abroad have had their details entered on the Police National Computer.
Speaking in the Commons, the Home Secretary admitted that the details of 280 serious criminals who committed crimes abroad had not had their details entered into the PNC because the files were incomplete.
The offenders include rapists, murderers and paedophiles. There are concerns that, because they were not then subjected to vetting procedures, some of them could have been allowed to work with children.
The news comes after the Association of Chief Police Officers revealed that details of nearly 30,000 cases of Britons committing offences abroad had been left in files at the Home Office.
Mr Reid has ordered an inquiry, however, Conservative leader David Cameron clashed with Prime Minister Tony Blair over the issue at Prime Minister's Question Time, accusing the government of failing to protect the public from dangerous criminals
Mr Blair said: "All the people for whom there is sufficient information are on the Police National Computer. But those who are part of the backlog of cases, where the information was delivered to us, when it was only voluntary, not compulsory, there may be some of those for whom there is insufficient information. That is not the fault of the Home Office."
However, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis warned that the public would have little faith in another review by a civil servant. He said: "The Home Secretary can no longer go on blaming civil servants, or police officers, for this. He has been in this job for long enough to have had every chance to put the right questions. He had failed to do so."
(KMcA/EF)
Speaking in the Commons, the Home Secretary admitted that the details of 280 serious criminals who committed crimes abroad had not had their details entered into the PNC because the files were incomplete.
The offenders include rapists, murderers and paedophiles. There are concerns that, because they were not then subjected to vetting procedures, some of them could have been allowed to work with children.
The news comes after the Association of Chief Police Officers revealed that details of nearly 30,000 cases of Britons committing offences abroad had been left in files at the Home Office.
Mr Reid has ordered an inquiry, however, Conservative leader David Cameron clashed with Prime Minister Tony Blair over the issue at Prime Minister's Question Time, accusing the government of failing to protect the public from dangerous criminals
Mr Blair said: "All the people for whom there is sufficient information are on the Police National Computer. But those who are part of the backlog of cases, where the information was delivered to us, when it was only voluntary, not compulsory, there may be some of those for whom there is insufficient information. That is not the fault of the Home Office."
However, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis warned that the public would have little faith in another review by a civil servant. He said: "The Home Secretary can no longer go on blaming civil servants, or police officers, for this. He has been in this job for long enough to have had every chance to put the right questions. He had failed to do so."
(KMcA/EF)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 June 2008
Police Lose High Court Pay Battle
Police officers have lost their High Court battle for a 2.5% pay rise to be paid in full. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith refused to implement their pay award in full, which has led to bitterness among the ranks. The Police Federation said that Ms Smith has acted unlawfully.
Police Lose High Court Pay Battle
Police officers have lost their High Court battle for a 2.5% pay rise to be paid in full. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith refused to implement their pay award in full, which has led to bitterness among the ranks. The Police Federation said that Ms Smith has acted unlawfully.
24 November 2008
Minister Unveils Police Taser Plans
Police officers across England and Wales could soon be armed with Taser stun guns, under new plans. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced that front-line staff in all 43 forces will be trained to use the weapons, which are currently only used by small units of firearms officers.
Minister Unveils Police Taser Plans
Police officers across England and Wales could soon be armed with Taser stun guns, under new plans. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced that front-line staff in all 43 forces will be trained to use the weapons, which are currently only used by small units of firearms officers.
17 July 2008
Home Secretary To 'Cut Red Tape' For Police Officers
The Home Secretary is expected to outline a Green Paper on policing which aims to "cut red tape and paperwork". Jacqui Smith is also reported to have offered the job of investigating police bureaucracy to Jan Berry, the former head of the Police Federation. It is thought that the job offer means there is no bad blood between the two women.
Home Secretary To 'Cut Red Tape' For Police Officers
The Home Secretary is expected to outline a Green Paper on policing which aims to "cut red tape and paperwork". Jacqui Smith is also reported to have offered the job of investigating police bureaucracy to Jan Berry, the former head of the Police Federation. It is thought that the job offer means there is no bad blood between the two women.
13 October 2008
Tougher Penalties For Cannabis Offenders Announced
Repeat cannabis offenders are to face tougher penalties under new reforms just announced by Home secretary Jacqui Smith. People caught carrying the Class C drug for a second time could now face an on-the-spot fine of £80 instead of a warning.
Tougher Penalties For Cannabis Offenders Announced
Repeat cannabis offenders are to face tougher penalties under new reforms just announced by Home secretary Jacqui Smith. People caught carrying the Class C drug for a second time could now face an on-the-spot fine of £80 instead of a warning.
04 October 2010
Police Pay And Conditions Review Launched
The most comprehensive review of police pay and conditions in more than 30 years has been launched by the government to improve service for the public and maximise value for money.
Police Pay And Conditions Review Launched
The most comprehensive review of police pay and conditions in more than 30 years has been launched by the government to improve service for the public and maximise value for money.
-
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.
