Lamont presses for guarantees on emergency service reform

Speaking after the Justice Secretary's statement on Police and Fire Reform, John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said:

"We can well understand the concern local people have with the issue of emergency service reform, which is why we will only support the Scottish Government's proposals if certain guarantees are given.

"Firstly, the SNP must maintain the 1000 extra police delivered by the Scottish Conservatives in the last parliament. As we have seen, these extra police have been instrumental in cutting crime. There must be no overall decline in police presence on our streets.

"And also, to retain a proper local connection between the public and their police, Scottish Conservatives want to introduce locally-elected Police Commissioners.

"Giving people democratic control of the police is a huge step forward, giving local people the information and direct powers they need to challenge their neighbourhood police teams to cut crime. It is vital the public has confidence in what the SNP Government is proposing, and these measures would help achieve just that."

Back to all posts