Mike Weatherley Leads Way in Debate on Crime in Brighton

Mike Weatherley, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Brighton Pavilion has once again shown that he is leading the debate on crime in this city. Following on from his Bring Back Our Bobby campaign launch two weeks ago, the energetic parliamentary hopeful has welcomed the successful second reading of Tory MP Patrick Mercer’s Criminal Law (Amendment) Householder Protection Bill in the House of Commons. But where was David Lepper? Along with the majority of Labour MP’s he abstained. Mike said:

“Once again Labour are all talk and no action. I am disappointed that our current MP could not support homeowners who are crying out for this law and being able to protect themselves and their property. He had the opportunity to put the interests of his constituents first by voting for this Bill, but he chose not to do so. If elected, I would put being tough on crime at the top of the priority list. The Government have been dragging theirs heals on this major issue. They issued a leaflet that was supposed to clarify the law on householder protection. However it will do nothing to redress the law in favour of the victim and away from the criminal. The Government needs to address this issue much more seriously and not just try to use their usually spin and no action.

“The change in the law will also offer added reassurance and protection to them that they will not suffer prosecution for their actions without very good reason, namely only where force has been used in a grossly disproportionate manner.

“Of course it would be much better if no one had to ever confront a burglar. That sadly is just wishful thinking. Let’s look at the reality. In 1997, Tony Blair promised to be ‘tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime’. Since then, the number of violent burglaries has increased by almost a fifth; in Brighton and Hove 7 out of 8 burglars escape prosecution. It’s no wonder that many burglars view their business as ‘virtually risk free’, and that many people feel that justice is on the side of criminal, not the victim. But it seems common sense to me that more police on the street will have send a message out to the criminals that their behaviour will not be tolerated, and all the rest of us can feel safer in our homes and on the streets. There are numerous areas of this city that are crying out to be better protected. Brighton’s city centre Clock Tower used to have a permanent police officer. Brilliant and very effective! BRING BACK OUR BOBBY. Out in the estates such as Coldean, there are problems with vandalism, with the St Mary Magdalen church being vandalised twice in the space of 12 months. We need more Police on the beat.

“Conservatives have pledged 906 extra police officers on the streets of Sussex. The people of Brighton and Hove deserve their share of this extra protection. So 52 extra officers will be deployed in Brighton Pavilion. For everyone to be able to go about their daily lives free of the fear of crime one thing is needed. BRING BACK OUR BOBBY.” www.bringbackourbobby.org.uk