Home office must change way it handles crime statistics - Clegg

8.20.17pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 5th Sep 2006

Home Office releases a large numbers of controversial statistics at the same time

Commenting on the Statistics Commission's call for separation between the Home Office's policy functions and the publication of crime statistics, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Nick Clegg MP said "The lack of objectivity in Home Office statistics has eroded public confidence in the Government's claims on law and order.

"This added pressure for statistical independence is welcome.

"It should be accompanied by an end to the cynical way in which the Home Office releases large numbers of controversial statistics at the same time, often when Parliament and the media do not have the time to scrutinise them fully."