Liberal Democrats launch national policing plans in Durham

3.00.00pm GMT Thu 4th Feb 2010

During a visit to the Durham Constabulary today, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg and Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne joined with local Lib Dem Carol Woods in setting out the party's General Election plans to put thousands more police out on the beat to cut crime.

Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for Durham, Carol Woods, who has been campaigning for more police officers in Durham, will introduce Mr Clegg and Mr Huhne to the Durham Constabulary which is successfully running several projects, such as the Eddy Project, to engage with young people and to prevent youth crime.

Carol said, "Durham Constabulary has led the way with its Eddy Project in engaging with young people across County Durham. Many young people at risk of being drawn into crime have benefited from these projects. The Liberal Democrats believe that these types of preventative projects help keep our communities safe and this is why we would expand them.

"Under the Labour Government, last year Durham has suffered the biggest cuts in police numbers in the country. Yet, our Labour MP has never spoken out against these cuts or raised the issue in Parliament.

"I have campaigned for years to get more police on our streets. I am delighted that Nick and Chris chose to launch this policing promise in Durham. It is clear that the Lib Dems are the party for effective action on crime."

Commenting on the party's proposals on policing, Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg said: "The Liberal Democrats are the only party that wants to cut crime by putting more police on the street.

"When only one in a hundred crimes ends up with a conviction in court, it is time for things to change.

"Labour and the Conservatives may talk tough but they are unwilling to make the crucial decisions to cut crime."

Commenting further, Chris Huhne added, "With so many forces seeing cuts in numbers, this is the right time to be promising a longer arm for the law.

"The Liberal Democrats would rather have more police officers and catch more criminals than continue with unnecessary and expensive ID cards.

"Getting more police on the beat and reforming the way they work is the only way to create safer streets."