Public debate on policing welcome and needed

4.47.35pm GMT Wed 16th Nov 2005

Police Officer with Charles Kennedy

The Liberal Democrats have welcomed the Metropolitan police commissioner - Sir Ian Blair's call for a wide-ranging public debate on the kind of policing the country needs following the terror attacks in July. Mark Oaten, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary said "The future of our police is at a crossroads." Sir Ian has warned that without a change in the way policing is debated, there is a danger of "drift" into further political controversies over issues such as 90-day detention powers and armed response.

Mr. Oaten further said "Sir Ian's call for a broad discussion of policing issues is welcome. A major debate is needed on Government plans to replace local police forces with regional ones, as well as on the politicisation of the police. In the wake of the 7th July attacks, Parliament and the public also needs to look at the current shoot to kill policy, and at striking a balance between deploying resources to tackle terrorism and deploying resources to tackle community crime and anti-social behaviour."