Simon Hughes, MP for North Southwark & Bermondsey and Liberal Democrat Spokesman for London, congratulating Sir Ian Blair in his appointment as Metropolitan Police Commissioner to succeed Sir John Stevens, said: "Ian Blair undoubtedly has the experience and skill to take over from John Stevens at the helm of Britain's most important police force."
"Londoners and London police have been grateful for the no nonsense approach and steady progress under John Stevens watch."
"The Met police are making good progress - but they still have a long way to go. They need to be more effective in deterring crime and catching criminals. They need to be much better in responding to the public. And they need to be fully representative of London's great mix of diverse communities."
"The more effective the Met become, the more they will gain in public respect and the more our capital city will grow in reputation as a great place to live and work and visit."
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