Lib Dems slam Labour's soft approach on harassment and intimidation (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems slam Labour's soft approach on harassment and intimidation

March 16, 2006 12:00 AM

Southwark Liberal Democrats have slammed Labour's decision to include harassment and intimidation and drug dealing as part of the new non-emergency service.

The new "101" number costs 10p per call and was originally intended for residents to report non-emergency issues such as abandoned vehicles and fly tipping in order to free-up the emergency 999 phone lines.

But now the Government has reportedly added issues such as harassment and drug dealing, which the Liberal Democrats argue are critical and should not be deemed 'non-emergency'

Cllr Catherine Bowman, Lib Dem Deputy Leader of the Council, has been discussing the issue with Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Menzies Campbell MP and Shadow Home Secretary Nick Clegg MP at a high-level meeting yesterday.

Commenting, Cllr Bowman said:

"Labour likes to talk tough on crime, but in practice they are clueless.

"In Southwark, we take harassment and drug dealing extremely seriously - for many people it is an emergency. It is completely unhelpful for Labour to send out a message that these are not high-level priorities.

"The local Labour Group should be shame-faced by their Government' s complete lack of understanding of how these issues blight our local communities"

Nick Clegg MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, added:

"Charging for using this number may make the Government a quick buck in the short-term, but in the fight against anti-social behaviour it could cost us dearly.

"Labour has failed to deliver solutions to the anti-social behaviour which effects our local communities. In contrast up and down the country Liberal Democrat run-councils, such as Southwark, are offering practical measures to tackle anti-social behaviour.

"Our record on implementing tough solutions such as acceptable behaviour contracts and community justice panels is second-to-none."