Labour promise to back ‘law abiding majority’
Labour today said that while liberty is important, freedom from crime must come first.
As such, Labour’s general election manifesto contains a number of controversial headline pledges on law and order and immigration.
A show-down with civil liberties groups was set up with the confirmation that ID cards would be reintroduced, with biometric data being collected when people renew their passports, and compulsory lie detector tests for convicted sex offenders would be piloted.
On immigration, Labour pledged to introduce a points system for those seeking to migrate to Britain, with only skilled workers allowed to settle long term, and English language tests for all wishing to stay permanently.
The Conservatives have also said they would introduce an Australian style points system for immigration.
Labour leader Tony Blair said the aim would be to bring asylum and immigration down and that where there is evidence of abuse from particular countries, immigration officials would be able to require a financial bond to guarantee an individuals’ return.
There would be fast-tracking of all ‘unfounded’ asylum claims, with electronic tagging and greater use of detention.
Appeal rights for non-family immigration cases would be removed and employers would face a £2,000 fine if they employ illegal immigrants.
On domestic crime, Labour said they would seek to reduce not just crime, but the fear of crime, and provide a greater uniformed presence on the streets through both police officers and Community Support Officers.
There would also be compulsory drug testing at arrest for all property and drug offenders, compulsory treatment assessment for those who test positive, and random testing for offenders on probation.
A single phone number would also be created for non-emergency police calls.
Richard Garside, director of the Crime and Society Foundation, said that there was “nothing progressive” about Labour’s vision.
Mr Garside, said: “Labour claims that its manifesto is about opportunity, hope and justice, but when it comes to law and order, what we get is an ever-increasing emphasis on punishment and control, exemplified by the reliance on anti-social behaviour orders and on-the-spot fines.
“Talk of ‘excluding yobs’, ‘crackdowns’, and ‘fighting back against crime’ may be a good way to win an election, but has little to do with creating a fairer and safer society.”
