1992 - Press Release - Prime Minister’s Comments on Crime

Below is the text of the Conservative Party Press Release on Mr Major’s comments on crime. It was issued on Thursday 2nd April 1992, reference 748/92.

 

CRACKING DOWN ON CRIME

“I want to make one thing very clear this morning. The fight against crime - all kinds of crime - has to be unremitting,” the Rt Hon John Major, Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party, told a press conference at Conservative Central Office today.

“As the Home Secretary will tell you, we experience less violent crime than a number of comparable countries. But we don't believe that's good enough. All crime matters to its victims. And all crime will continue to matter to the Government I lead.

Policemen and women risk their lives to protect us. We will go on giving them our wholehearted support. We have good reason to be proud of our record in increasing police resources and manpower. And we will encourage the police to provide what people want - not just high-tech detection of major crimes, but local police officers people can get to know, patrolling our streets and villages, keeping in touch with what's going on. Helping to prevent crime happening - as well as to catch criminals when it has. Our plans for local Community Policing are absolutely key.

We will continue to make sure the criminal law gives the police all the backing they need. And our Manifesto proposes a number of new or stiffer penalties where we believe they are needed.

I believe we must do more to deter criminals so indifferent to the law that they commit more offences while on bail. We have already cracked down on the menace of so-called 'joy-riding'. But we will now increase the sanctions against those who cause death through dangerous or drunken driving. And we will crack down on squatting and illegal encampments which cause nuisance and misery to local communities.

We believe that parents must take responsibility for their children; that schools must teach children respect for the law; and that violence and intimidation are never the right way to win an argument.

We will always be tough on crime; firm in defence of the rule of law; firmly behind those who defend us. That's why Britain will always be safer under the Conservatives.”