POLICING IN LONDON

Motion Text

That this House welcomes the latest figures from the Metropolitan Police showing that crime has fallen for the fifth year in a row in London and is now at its lowest level for nine years; notes that the total number of offences fell by over six per cent. last year, including knife crime down 13 per cent., and the rate of decline is accelerating; further notes also that the percentage of crimes resulting in offenders being charged, cautioned or receiving another penalty has increased; recognises that this trend of falling crime in the capital coincides with dramatic increases in police numbers, from 25,430 in 2000 to 35,256 this year under Mayor Ken Livingstone; is appalled by the recent comments of the Assembly Member for Hillingdon and Ealing, Richard Barnes, that too much money is being spent on police; and expresses its continuing support and gratitude to London's dedicated police officers for their commitment to making our streets safer.