Give Devon and Cornwall Police Force the Support it Deserves

Marking the start of their "We Can Cut Crime" campaign, Devon and Cornwall's Liberal Democrat MPs have tabled a Parliamentary motion, criticising the Government for its lack of support given to the region's police force.

The motion welcomes the new Chief Constable, Mr Stephen Otter, to his post and praises his commitment to increase public confidence in the local police. However, it also expresses concern at the Government's announcement that Devon and Cornwall will have to reduce its budget by £7 million in 2008 and highlights the Home Office decision to renege on its promise to fund 179 extra Community Support Officers in the region.

Research published by the Liberal Democrats has revealed that only one in every hundred crimes committed leads to a court conviction.

Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy MP for Falmouth and Camborne, said:

"After a difficult period, the new Chief Constable will face some tough challenges but he clearly has high ambitions for what can be achieved in Devon and Cornwall. We will be doing all we can to ensure that his force will receive all the support it needs and deserves from this Government."

"Whilst the Government has been quick to produce headline grabbing soundbites, these have not been matched by fair funding for our police force.

Nick Harvey, MP for Devon North added:

"Our cutting crime campaign recognises that legislation is not a proxy for action and instead outlines the five ways in which Liberal Democrats would make Britain safer.

"Instead of botched merger proposals and budget reductions, Devon and Cornwall deserves more police offers, free from bureaucracy, so that local people can feel safer."

EDM 680 - Tabled by Devon and Cornwall's Lib Dem MPs:

That this House welcomes Stephen Otter to his new post as Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary; notes his commitment to increase the confidence that the public have in their local police; recognises the vital support work of the 600 special constables; regrets the recent announcement that the force will be expected to cut its annual budget by £7 million in 2008; further regrets that the Home Office has reneged on its commitment to fund nearly 200 extra community support officers; and calls on the Government to deliver fair funding for police in Devon and Cornwall.

The Liberal Democrat 5 Steps to Make Britain Safer:

1) More Police on patrol - don't waster billions on ID cards.

2) Compulsory work and training in prison to cut re-offending.

3) Better compensation for victims paid for by prison work.

4) Take back our town centre - let communities close pubs and clubs that cause trouble.

5) Make sentences mean what they say - life should mean life.