Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill

Debate between Lord Hunt of Kings Heath and Lord Wasserman

Wednesday 29th June 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hunt of Kings Heath]

My Lords, to what does the noble Lord attribute the huge reduction in crime in this country during the previous Government’s administration?

[Lord Wasserman]

There were many factors, including effective policing. I do not deny that, but the limit in the reduction in crime has not been reached. Many larger reductions—

[Lord Hunt of Kings Heath]

My Lords, all the indications from preliminary figures are that police authorities are reporting that crime is starting to increase.

[Lord Wasserman]

I have seen that, and I am sure that we will discuss it on another occasion. However, there is plenty of evidence for the changes that individual elected mayors in crime-ridden cities in America have been able to make when they put their mind to it, and when they provided their police chiefs with the political cover and resources to do the job.