Reid: CCTV part of Labour strategy for "cleaner" neighbourhoods

Wednesday, 04, Apr 2007 12:00

John Reid has defended his 'talking' CCTV scheme, framing it as part of a Labour package to make British neighbourhoods cleaner and safer ahead of local elections on May 3rd.

He described the scheme as "an example of how Labour listens to the concerns of ordinary people to make life better for all."

Mr Reid continued: "Labour councillors are on your side, understand your concerns, are tackling anti-social behaviour and problem families, and will work hard for cleaner, greener, safer neighbourhoods.

"Labour councillors will use the new anti-social behaviour measures such as ASBOs, and dispersal orders to tackle drug dealers, street gangs and the tiny minority who make life a misery for the decent majority."

In a clear attempt to link the headline-grabbing scheme to the local elections, Mr Reid berated Liberal Democrats for putting the human rights of "drug dealers and graffiti vandals above the rights of you and your family to a decent, safe, clean community."

He argued that the Tories still wish to cut services in order to fund tax cuts for the rich.