Stephen Lawrence Debate

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Department: Home Office

Stephen Lawrence

Robert Halfon Excerpts
Tuesday 24th April 2012

(12 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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James Brokenshire Portrait James Brokenshire
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As I said, the tireless work of the Lawrence family in seeking to bring about justice has been extraordinary, and I know that others have campaigned tirelessly in support of them. Obviously, convictions have been secured and investigations continue in relation to this appalling crime. I very much look forward to the police’s further work in seeking to follow all appropriate lines of inquiry in their continuing investigations into the Lawrence murder.

Robert Halfon Portrait Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con)
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Is not the nub of the issue the fact that communities often do not feel that the police are accountable to them? What measures are the Government taking to improve police accountability?

James Brokenshire Portrait James Brokenshire
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As my hon. Friend will know, the Government are taking a number of different steps to create greater professionalism within the police service with the establishment of the new police professional body to lead work to develop professionalism and set standards for the service. Obviously, we will also look to the introduction of police and crime commissioners later this year to provide more direct accountability between the public and the police and to ensure that the police remain in close connection with the communities they seek to serve.