Statement by Len Duvall, Chair of the MPA

07/05
8 February 2005

Responding to comments on Sir Ian Blair’s open letter to Londoners, MPA Chairman, Len Duvall, said:

“The linchpin of successful policing is working together with the consent of all our communities and Sir Ian Blair has told Londoners that this will be his strategy as London’s new Commissioner.

“Londoners have told us they want police to tackle anti social behaviour and yobbery. In order to achieve this, the MPA with Sir Ian have introduced ‘Safer Neighbourhoods’, dedicated teams of officers and police staff who will patrol every neighbourhood in London.

“Londoners have also told us they want their police to protect them from terrorism, violent crime and drugs. To achieve this our police will have to gain the confidence of the communities they serve.

“These goals will only be successful if the MPS, led by Sir Ian, deserves and can count on the trust and co-operation of Londoners.

“In order to drive through these plans the MPA, together with the MPS, has secured the best financial settlement from central government in 10 years and the majority of the Mayor’s precept for next year will go towards policing. Overall the budget for 2005/6 is almost £2.5 billion. The cost of Sir Ian Blair’s letter is a very small proportion of that spend.

“To this end the word ‘together’, now part of the new MPS logo, is pivotal to this strategy and signals to the public that the Met want to work with their communities, not apart from them.

“Sir Ian’s letter outlining his plans was an immediate means by which to communicate this message to all the people of London and ultimately to help make the MPS more successful in tackling crime.

“The majority of MPA members support the Commissioner’s communications strategy and the direction on policing London.

“Our aim, working together with the MPS and our partners, is to improve and deliver a first class police service for all London’s diverse communities.”

Send an e-mail linking to this page

Feedback