Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Herbert of South Downs and Karl McCartney

Monday 6th February 2012 Commons Chamber

[The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Nick Herbert)]

The 101 non-emergency police number is now available in every force area in England and Wales, making it far easier for the public to contact their local police.

[Karl MᶜCartney]

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer, and of course we all welcome this reform and the opportunity for front-line officers to prioritise and concentrate on emergencies, rather than on less important incidents. Does he agree that other reforms, such as the democratisation of our police forces with police and crime commissioners, may need to go further to limit the policy-driven Association of Chief Police Officers, which is unelected, undemocratic and, in some cases, does not provide the leadership needed by officers on the front line?

[Nick Herbert]

We are committed to setting up a professional body for policing and to ensuring proper accountability in policing. The non-emergency number is just part of our reforms to ensure that the public have better access to the police and can hold them to account, and the link between the police and the public will be strengthened.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Herbert of South Downs and Karl McCartney

Monday 7th November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Karl MᶜCartney (Lincoln) (Con)]

T8. Is the Minister aware that the average fine in 2010 for people caught driving without motor insurance in Lincolnshire was £213, down from £233 in 2008, when the average cost of fully comprehensive motor insurance premiums for my constituents is around £650, having risen on average by 40% in the same two years? Does he agree that such fines do nothing to dissuade potential or existing offenders from driving without insurance? What plans do the Government have to address the situation?

[Nick Herbert]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this serious issue, about which I want to talk to the Department for Transport. Uninsured driving already raises the cost of premiums for honest motorists to the tune of £30. Individual fines are a matter for magistrates, but it is important that we look at this matter.