'Active Faith - Safer Communities' breakfast consultation event

58/03
30 July 2003

A multi faith crime and community safety consultation event will be held at Le Meridien Russell Hotel, Russell Square, London WC1B 5BE on Thursday 31 July starting at 7.45am. This is a joint partnership event between the MPA and the MPS, Government Office for London, Greater London Authority and the Association of Local Government. It is also the first event in which the joint pan London organisations will be meeting with faith leaders to explore ways in which they can become more actively engaged in policing, community safety and crime diversion matters. A press conference will be held in the Bedford Suite at Le Meridian Russell Hotel at 10.15am - 10.30am.

Toby Harris, Chair of the MPA said:

“One of the MPA’s key responsibilities is to consult with Londoners to seek their views on policing matters and the aim of this event is to explore ways the Authority could work with and support the involvement of faith leaders in crime and community safety initiatives.

“The MPA has a strong commitment to engage with faith leaders as we recognise the important role played by faith groups in creating neighbourhood renewal and safer communities for all.

“We are pleased, that for the first time, they will be making a direct contribution to the annual policing priorities for London.”

Deputy Commissioner Sir Ian Blair said:

“Crime impacts on the very fabric of communities and it is vital we work with all of those who can help us in making London a safer place. Faith groups play a key role in providing leadership and support to vulnerable people and we are very interested to hear their views and ideas on how to make further progress in the future.”

The event will be hosted by Reverend Nims Obunge of the Peace Alliance and speakers will include Toby Harris Chair MPA, R. David Muir Deputy Chair MPA, MPS Deputy Commissioner Sir Ian Blair, Fiona Mactaggart MP Parliamentary Under Secretary for Race Equality, Community Policy and Civil Renewal, Reverend Joel Edwards of the Evangelical Alliance, Ellie Roy Regional Crime Reduction Director for London and Lee Jasper Policy Director Mayor’s Office.

‘Christian response to crime in the capital’, the Hope for London report produced by the Evangelical Alliance, will also be launched at this event.

Notes to editors

1. Attendance to the faith breakfast is by invitation only.

2. The MPA works together with the community and the Commissioner of Police to draw up the annual policing plan settling policing priorities for the year ahead. This includes national goals set by the Home Secretary. The results of the faith groups event will feed into the consultation process in September - December 2003 when the MPA will finalise the policing priorities for the MPA/MPS 2004/5.

3. A summary report of the faith groups event will be made available to all participants.

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