RICHARD BURT WELCOMES CONFERENCE VOTE FOR EFFECTIVE ACTION ON CRIME

1.57.14pm GMT Tue 6th Mar 2007

West Worcestershire's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt welcomed new proposals to cut crime and anti-social behaviour adopted by the party at last weekend's conference in Harrogate.

West Worcestershire Liberal Democrats have been carrying out a petition of constituents in support of the party's five steps for a safer Britain.

More Police on patrol - don't waste billions on ID cards

Let communities close pubs and clubs that cause trouble

Make sentences mean what they say - life should mean life

Compulsory work and training in prison - to cut re-offending

Better compensation for victims - paid for by prison work

Richard Burt said:

"These proposals would make those causing vandalism and involved in anti-social behaviour in our towns and villages repair any damage they cause and make them carry out tough community sentences.

"The debate also highlighted the Government's mess over prisons and the problems caused by the increasing re-offending rates, now the highest in Europe. Under Labour too many people go to prison, get released early and go on to re-offend. Liberal Democrats proposals will break that cycle by greatly expanding prison training schemes.

"We will ensure more people leave prison, having served their proper sentence, as people with marketable skills who are a benefit to society rather than people who go straight back into a life of crime.

"It is already clear from the responses that people in West Worcestershire are very concerned about crime but are fed up with Labour's tough posturing and failed promises. People are also concerned about the need to have more police officers and prefer to use the money Labour plans to waste on the ineffective Identity Card scheme spent on employing more police instead."

"Support for the petition backing our five point plan for a safer Britain has started to flow in."

http://www.libdems.org.uk/conference/conferenceagenda.html