03/03/2013 Sunday Politics East

Our new Police and Crime Our new Police and Crime

Commissioner is on a collision Commissioner is on a collision

Commissioner is on a collision course with the Government. And the

course with the Government. And the course with the Government. And the

European pesticide plan set to hit European pesticide plan set to hit

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 2198 seconds

European pesticide plan set to hit Welcome back to your program. Coming

Welcome back to your program. Coming up: The Police and Crime

up: The Police and Crime up: The Police and Crime

Commissioner has plans to tag Commissioner has plans to tag

prospect by dollars. prospect by dollars.

prospect by dollars. It has caused problems of the

Government. Government.

Government. Government.

It has stalled me doing what I have It has stalled me doing what I have

been elected to do. been elected to do.

been elected to do. been elected to do.

And fears for our farmers over plans And fears for our farmers over plans

to ban a pesticide. to ban a pesticide.

to ban a pesticide. The lost pesticides, our crop yields

The lost pesticides, our crop yields would be lower.

would be lower. would be lower.

Let's meet our guests. David Ruffley Let's meet our guests. David Ruffley

Let's meet our guests. David Ruffley is the Conservative MP for Bury

is the Conservative MP for Bury is the Conservative MP for Bury

Saint Edmunds. Olly Martins is the Saint Edmunds. Olly Martins is the

Saint Edmunds. Olly Martins is the recently elected Police and Crime

recently elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire and

Commissioner for Bedfordshire and Commissioner for Bedfordshire and

Commissioner for Bedfordshire and the only Labour PCC in the East.

the only Labour PCC in the East. the only Labour PCC in the East.

Let's start with this week's protest over travellers.

over travellers. over travellers.

People are protesting as a People are protesting as a

counselling Bedfordshire Reckitt -- counselling Bedfordshire Reckitt --

counselling Bedfordshire Reckitt -- recommended new gypsy sites. The

recommended new gypsy sites. The recommended new gypsy sites. The

Government has changed the way sites Government has changed the way sites

Government has changed the way sites Government has changed the way sites

are allocated. And it is up to are allocated. And it is up to

are allocated. And it is up to councils to plan locally. That

councils to plan locally. That councils to plan locally. That

councils to plan locally. That doesn't seem to be going well. It

doesn't seem to be going well. It doesn't seem to be going well. It

doesn't seem to be going well. It seems that it is always a clash with

seems that it is always a clash with seems that it is always a clash with

a settled population. There is. It a settled population. There is. It

a settled population. There is. It really upsets people who are

really upsets people who are really upsets people who are

indigenous to an area, where indigenous to an area, where

indigenous to an area, where travellers come down overnight. That

travellers come down overnight. That travellers come down overnight. That

kind of lawlessness of travellers kind of lawlessness of travellers

kind of lawlessness of travellers kind of lawlessness of travellers

pitching up has got to be tackled. pitching up has got to be tackled.

pitching up has got to be tackled. The Government has said there will

The Government has said there will The Government has said there will

The Government has said there will be a designated site Andy will be

be a designated site Andy will be channelled via Indy Bedfordshire

channelled via Indy Bedfordshire channelled via Indy Bedfordshire

channelled via Indy Bedfordshire case. I would imagine there would be

case. I would imagine there would be case. I would imagine there would be

case. I would imagine there would be protests in my seat. You can't get

protests in my seat. You can't get protests in my seat. You can't get

away from it. Bedfordshire has a away from it. Bedfordshire has a

good reputation for accommodating good reputation for accommodating

good reputation for accommodating travellers. In your Police and Crime

travellers. In your Police and Crime Commissioner plan, you mentioned

Commissioner plan, you mentioned Commissioner plan, you mentioned

Drupal areas. Is there a problem Drupal areas. Is there a problem

Drupal areas. Is there a problem Drupal areas. Is there a problem

there? I think it is important we there? I think it is important we

there? I think it is important we don't stigmatise a whole community

don't stigmatise a whole community don't stigmatise a whole community

on the basis of the criminal on the basis of the criminal

on the basis of the criminal on the basis of the criminal

activity of the minority. I think it activity of the minority. I think it

activity of the minority. I think it is incumbent on the Traveller

is incumbent on the Traveller is incumbent on the Traveller

community to engage with police to community to engage with police to

community to engage with police to community to engage with police to

engage the criminal -- to ensure the engage the criminal -- to ensure the

engage the criminal -- to ensure the criminal minority can be expunged.

criminal minority can be expunged. criminal minority can be expunged.

criminal minority can be expunged. It is that kind of issue which gives

It is that kind of issue which gives rise to residents' concerns.

rise to residents' concerns. rise to residents' concerns.

rise to residents' concerns. Let's move on to the plans for our

Let's move on to the plans for our Let's move on to the plans for our

police forces over the next five police forces over the next five

police forces over the next five years. The draft proposal for our

years. The draft proposal for our years. The draft proposal for our

newly elected Police and Crime newly elected Police and Crime

newly elected Police and Crime Commissioner's has been revealed. In

Commissioner's has been revealed. In Commissioner's has been revealed. In

Norfolk, they want to reduce the Norfolk, they want to reduce the

Norfolk, they want to reduce the amount of crime committed by

amount of crime committed by amount of crime committed by

offenders. In Suffolk, they want to offenders. In Suffolk, they want to

investigate a police apprenticeship. investigate a police apprenticeship.

investigate a police apprenticeship. In Cambridgeshire, they have pledged

In Cambridgeshire, they have pledged In Cambridgeshire, they have pledged

that all burglaries should be that all burglaries should be

investigated within an appropriate investigated within an appropriate

investigated within an appropriate investigated within an appropriate

time. NSX, the focus is on domestic time. NSX, the focus is on domestic

time. NSX, the focus is on domestic abuse, after Harry -- high-profile

abuse, after Harry -- high-profile situations were revealed. In

situations were revealed. In situations were revealed. In

Northamptonshire, they want to see a Northamptonshire, they want to see a

Northamptonshire, they want to see a reduction of 40% in violent crime.

reduction of 40% in violent crime. reduction of 40% in violent crime.

In Hertfordshire, they want to see In Hertfordshire, they want to see

In Hertfordshire, they want to see In Hertfordshire, they want to see

-- see a vendor's meat costs that -- see a vendor's meat costs that

-- see a vendor's meat costs that -- see a vendor's meat costs that

the crate when they are detained. In the crate when they are detained. In

the crate when they are detained. In Bedfordshire, the once GPS tagging

Bedfordshire, the once GPS tagging Bedfordshire, the once GPS tagging

to be extended to other categories. to be extended to other categories.

to be extended to other categories. to be extended to other categories.

This is put him on a collision This is put him on a collision

course with the Government. course with the Government.

course with the Government. course with the Government.

Out for a wok, but he is not Out for a wok, but he is not

Out for a wok, but he is not Out for a wok, but he is not

strictly free. It tag on his ankle, strictly free. It tag on his ankle,

strictly free. It tag on his ankle, strictly free. It tag on his ankle,

while he waits trial. The same for while he waits trial. The same for

while he waits trial. The same for this woman as she awaits home

this woman as she awaits home this woman as she awaits home

detention curfew. A small number of detention curfew. A small number of

detention curfew. A small number of burglars have volunteered to Wear

burglars have volunteered to Wear burglars have volunteered to Wear

tags. They have been responsible for tags. They have been responsible for

tags. They have been responsible for tags. They have been responsible for

a number of crimes. But no breath as a number of crimes. But no breath as

crying Commissioner Andy Chief crying Commissioner Andy Chief

crying Commissioner Andy Chief crying Commissioner Andy Chief

Constable wants to up the arm the -- Constable wants to up the arm the --

Constable wants to up the arm the -- up the ante and want persistent

up the ante and want persistent up the ante and want persistent

offenders to be tagged in real-time. offenders to be tagged in real-time.

offenders to be tagged in real-time. offenders to be tagged in real-time.

These are the old style tags that These are the old style tags that

These are the old style tags that shall we're an offender has been

shall we're an offender has been shall we're an offender has been

once the information is downloaded. once the information is downloaded.

once the information is downloaded. Bedfordshire police want to order

Bedfordshire police want to order Bedfordshire police want to order

new generation tags for compulsory new generation tags for compulsory

new generation tags for compulsory tagging. PCC Olly Martins says the

tagging. PCC Olly Martins says the tagging. PCC Olly Martins says the

Government is blocking his plan Government is blocking his plan

Government is blocking his plan because the wording in the contract

because the wording in the contract because the wording in the contract

doesn't allow it. They are insisting doesn't allow it. They are insisting

doesn't allow it. They are insisting that the current contract, drawn up

that the current contract, drawn up that the current contract, drawn up

nine years ago, is not consistent nine years ago, is not consistent

nine years ago, is not consistent with allowing the technology to be

with allowing the technology to be with allowing the technology to be

used only compulsory basis. I think used only compulsory basis. I think

used only compulsory basis. I think used only compulsory basis. I think

that is just a nonsense. This minor that is just a nonsense. This minor

that is just a nonsense. This minor that is just a nonsense. This minor

quibble should be hired out so that quibble should be hired out so that

quibble should be hired out so that quibble should be hired out so that

we can roll this out and start we can roll this out and start

we can roll this out and start we can roll this out and start

cutting the harm that the system has cutting the harm that the system has

cutting the harm that the system has caused in Bedfordshire. It is

caused in Bedfordshire. It is caused in Bedfordshire. It is

stopping the Police and Crime stopping the Police and Crime

stopping the Police and Crime Commissioner doing what I have been

Commissioner doing what I have been Commissioner doing what I have been

elected to do. The evidence exists elected to do. The evidence exists

elected to do. The evidence exists to show tagging works. This small

to show tagging works. This small to show tagging works. This small

amount of people can't in amount of people can't in

amount of people can't in Bedfordshire are linked to 459

Bedfordshire are linked to 459 Bedfordshire are linked to 459

burglaries. Since they have been burglaries. Since they have been

burglaries. Since they have been tagged, they have committed just

tagged, they have committed just tagged, they have committed just

free burglaries. We have done some free burglaries. We have done some

free burglaries. We have done some profiling on these tags, and we

profiling on these tags, and we profiling on these tags, and we

think there are 200 offenders who think there are 200 offenders who

think there are 200 offenders who think there are 200 offenders who

would benefit from the use of this would benefit from the use of this

would benefit from the use of this would benefit from the use of this

type of tagging. This would help the type of tagging. This would help the

type of tagging. This would help the public, because they would not

public, because they would not public, because they would not

victimised people. We have checked victimised people. We have checked

victimised people. We have checked the legalities and human rights in

the legalities and human rights in the legalities and human rights in

the legalities and human rights in relation to that. It is the right

relation to that. It is the right relation to that. It is the right

relation to that. It is the right thing to do for the offender. More

thing to do for the offender. More thing to do for the offender. More

importantly it is the right thing importantly it is the right thing

importantly it is the right thing importantly it is the right thing

for the public. It is a win win for the public. It is a win win

situation. Bedfordshire police will situation. Bedfordshire police will

situation. Bedfordshire police will situation. Bedfordshire police will

be driving force behind the ban. The be driving force behind the ban. The

be driving force behind the ban. The be driving force behind the ban. The

ticket to the PCC. It has the ticket to the PCC. It has the

ticket to the PCC. It has the backing of local judges and

backing of local judges and backing of local judges and

provision, but what about the provision, but what about the

provision, but what about the public? In Chestnut Avenue in

public? In Chestnut Avenue in Bedford, residents via burglary.

Bedford, residents via burglary. Bedford, residents via burglary.

They had a neighbourhood watch They had a neighbourhood watch

They had a neighbourhood watch They had a neighbourhood watch

scheme and look out for each other. scheme and look out for each other.

scheme and look out for each other. scheme and look out for each other.

Those we spoke to Wellcome and trace Those we spoke to Wellcome and trace

Those we spoke to Wellcome and trace Those we spoke to Wellcome and trace

in tagging. It is a good idea. Bad in tagging. It is a good idea. Bad

in tagging. It is a good idea. Bad people need to be monitored and

people need to be monitored and people need to be monitored and

watched. It is not just about watched. It is not just about

watched. It is not just about punishing people. We want to see

punishing people. We want to see punishing people. We want to see

people be rehabilitated. We want to people be rehabilitated. We want to

people be rehabilitated. We want to see offenders stop offending. You

see offenders stop offending. You see offenders stop offending. You

see offenders stop offending. You give them some level of liberty, but

give them some level of liberty, but give them some level of liberty, but

also some level of punishment. also some level of punishment.

also some level of punishment. Bernard Rix is watching this case

Bernard Rix is watching this case Bernard Rix is watching this case

Bernard Rix is watching this case with interest. We will see quite a

with interest. We will see quite a with interest. We will see quite a

with interest. We will see quite a number of PCCs getting to flex their

number of PCCs getting to flex their number of PCCs getting to flex their

muscles. Olly Martins clearly wants muscles. Olly Martins clearly wants

muscles. Olly Martins clearly wants to take forward his tagging

to take forward his tagging initiative. He is finding

initiative. He is finding initiative. He is finding

difficulties in achieving that, and difficulties in achieving that, and

difficulties in achieving that, and difficulties in achieving that, and

he is starting to try to encourage he is starting to try to encourage

he is starting to try to encourage he is starting to try to encourage

the Home Office to get on with the Home Office to get on with

the Home Office to get on with things. There are similarities here

things. There are similarities here things. There are similarities here

things. There are similarities here with what David Lloyd is looking to

with what David Lloyd is looking to with what David Lloyd is looking to

do in Hertfordshire. David Lloyd do in Hertfordshire. David Lloyd

do in Hertfordshire. David Lloyd made headlines when he said he

made headlines when he said he made headlines when he said he

wanted to charge people who spent wanted to charge people who spent

wanted to charge people who spent wanted to charge people who spent

the night in police cells. It is not the night in police cells. It is not

the night in police cells. It is not the night in police cells. It is not

just about that, it is about doing just about that, it is about doing

just about that, it is about doing things like asking people pay for

things like asking people pay for their own rehabilitation, whether

their own rehabilitation, whether their own rehabilitation, whether

that is only speed awareness course that is only speed awareness course

that is only speed awareness course or other areas. Ministry of Justice

or other areas. Ministry of Justice or other areas. Ministry of Justice

or other areas. Ministry of Justice staff plan to visit the huge queue

staff plan to visit the huge queue staff plan to visit the huge queue

staff plan to visit the huge queue here -- the Bedfordshire HQ to see

here -- the Bedfordshire HQ to see how this is done.

how this is done. how this is done.

Joining me in Sally Benton from Joining me in Sally Benton from

Joining me in Sally Benton from Joining me in Sally Benton from

Nacro. There is a lot of support for Nacro. There is a lot of support for

Nacro. There is a lot of support for these plans. Doesn't it make sense

these plans. Doesn't it make sense these plans. Doesn't it make sense

to make this sort of tagging to make this sort of tagging

to make this sort of tagging to make this sort of tagging

compulsory? For Nacro, as we add a compulsory? For Nacro, as we add a

compulsory? For Nacro, as we add a crime reduction charity, we think it

crime reduction charity, we think it crime reduction charity, we think it

crime reduction charity, we think it is censored all -- sensible to look

is censored all -- sensible to look is censored all -- sensible to look

is censored all -- sensible to look at the ways of new technologies can

at the ways of new technologies can at the ways of new technologies can

at the ways of new technologies can supporters in the work we do and

supporters in the work we do and supporters in the work we do and

reduce crime and reoffending. What reduce crime and reoffending. What

reduce crime and reoffending. What reduce crime and reoffending. What

we would say in this instance as all we would say in this instance as all

we would say in this instance as all Police and Crime Commissioner's make

Police and Crime Commissioner's make Police and Crime Commissioner's make

their plans for future spending is their plans for future spending is

their plans for future spending is to make sure that those investments

to make sure that those investments to make sure that those investments

are balanced against what is needed are balanced against what is needed

are balanced against what is needed locally. That is particularly when

locally. That is particularly when dealing with persistent offenders.

dealing with persistent offenders. dealing with persistent offenders.

Those investments need to look Those investments need to look

Those investments need to look across a wide variety of services.

across a wide variety of services. across a wide variety of services.

You saying that simply tagging You saying that simply tagging

persistent offenders only compulsory persistent offenders only compulsory

persistent offenders only compulsory basis is not sufficient to prevent

basis is not sufficient to prevent basis is not sufficient to prevent

reoffending? Yes. We would say that reoffending? Yes. We would say that

reoffending? Yes. We would say that whilst technology is important, it

whilst technology is important, it whilst technology is important, it

is absolutely important that certain is absolutely important that certain

is absolutely important that certain types of offenders are monitored and

types of offenders are monitored and types of offenders are monitored and

tracked and punished for their tracked and punished for their

tracked and punished for their crimes. That alone will not deal

crimes. That alone will not deal crimes. That alone will not deal

with the problem of the offending with the problem of the offending

with the problem of the offending long-term. In many cases, our fear

long-term. In many cases, our fear long-term. In many cases, our fear

long-term. In many cases, our fear is that it may delay the next

is that it may delay the next is that it may delay the next

offence. It is really important to offence. It is really important to

offence. It is really important to have a conversation with them and

have a conversation with them and have a conversation with them and

other local services about what it other local services about what it

other local services about what it other local services about what it

is we need to do to challenge is we need to do to challenge

is we need to do to challenge behaviour, to get people of

behaviour, to get people of behaviour, to get people of

substance misuse, to make sure they substance misuse, to make sure they

substance misuse, to make sure they have a home, problems with mental

have a home, problems with mental have a home, problems with mental

health and employment. All of those, health and employment. All of those,

whilst balanced against punishment whilst balanced against punishment

whilst balanced against punishment whilst balanced against punishment

and reform, and what we need to do. and reform, and what we need to do.

and reform, and what we need to do. and reform, and what we need to do.

What about the cost? We would have What about the cost? We would have

What about the cost? We would have to look at that in detail.

to look at that in detail. Mobilising local procurement

Mobilising local procurement Mobilising local procurement

Mobilising local procurement together looks like it might be more

together looks like it might be more cost-effective than an uncoordinated

cost-effective than an uncoordinated cost-effective than an uncoordinated

approach to this type of investment. approach to this type of investment.

approach to this type of investment. That is something that is really

That is something that is really That is something that is really

interesting to us. If you only interesting to us. If you only

interesting to us. If you only invest in one thing, you're not

invest in one thing, you're not invest in one thing, you're not

going to address the cause of someone's offending.

someone's offending. someone's offending.

someone's offending. Olly Martins, you heard what she had

Olly Martins, you heard what she had Olly Martins, you heard what she had

Olly Martins, you heard what she had to say there. If you only invest in

to say there. If you only invest in to say there. If you only invest in

to say there. If you only invest in one thing, you want get much at all.

one thing, you want get much at all. one thing, you want get much at all.

I see tagging as supporting I see tagging as supporting

I see tagging as supporting rehabilitation. If you look at the

rehabilitation. If you look at the rehabilitation. If you look at the

way in which the integrated program way in which the integrated program

way in which the integrated program we have in Bedfordshire works, it

we have in Bedfordshire works, it we have in Bedfordshire works, it

we have in Bedfordshire works, it gets the offenders to agree to win a

gets the offenders to agree to win a gets the offenders to agree to win a

gets the offenders to agree to win a tag, but also works with them to

tag, but also works with them to tag, but also works with them to

address the factors that have address the factors that have

contributed to the offending contributed to the offending

contributed to the offending behaviour. So are you suggesting

behaviour. So are you suggesting behaviour. So are you suggesting

that this GPS tagging should be that this GPS tagging should be

compulsory for assistant offenders? compulsory for assistant offenders?

compulsory for assistant offenders? compulsory for assistant offenders?

What I want to pilot in Bedfordshire What I want to pilot in Bedfordshire

What I want to pilot in Bedfordshire What I want to pilot in Bedfordshire

is the use of GPS tagging on people is the use of GPS tagging on people

is the use of GPS tagging on people is the use of GPS tagging on people

who have been bailed and those who who have been bailed and those who

who have been bailed and those who are being released from prison on

are being released from prison on are being released from prison on

licence. It is quite a narrowly licence. It is quite a narrowly

licence. It is quite a narrowly licence. It is quite a narrowly

defined pilot. I want to see the defined pilot. I want to see the

defined pilot. I want to see the rehabilitation work that I have

rehabilitation work that I have mentioned sitting alongside that.

mentioned sitting alongside that. mentioned sitting alongside that.

Shouldn't the Government listen to Shouldn't the Government listen to

Shouldn't the Government listen to the Police and Crime Commissioner's?

the Police and Crime Commissioner's? the Police and Crime Commissioner's?

the Police and Crime Commissioner's? I agree. I think this is the

I agree. I think this is the greatest advertisement for Police

greatest advertisement for Police greatest advertisement for Police

and Crime Commissioner's which the and Crime Commissioner's which the

opposition slagged off. Different opposition slagged off. Different

opposition slagged off. Different things are being trialled on this

things are being trialled on this things are being trialled on this

things are being trialled on this bail bandit idea to stop those on

bail bandit idea to stop those on bail bandit idea to stop those on

bail committing further crime. I bail committing further crime. I

bail committing further crime. I think this is an excellent idea.

think this is an excellent idea. think this is an excellent idea.

think this is an excellent idea. There is a deeper point. Two out of

There is a deeper point. Two out of There is a deeper point. Two out of

three people reading prison reoffend three people reading prison reoffend

three people reading prison reoffend within two years. It is entirely

within two years. It is entirely within two years. It is entirely

right that sorting out the old right that sorting out the old

right that sorting out the old bandits will reduce the number of

bandits will reduce the number of bandits will reduce the number of

burglaries. The deeper problem is in burglaries. The deeper problem is in

burglaries. The deeper problem is in burglaries. The deeper problem is in

prisons. That is not the province of prisons. That is not the province of

prisons. That is not the province of Police and Crime Commissioner's, and

Police and Crime Commissioner's, and Police and Crime Commissioner's, and

Police and Crime Commissioner's, and it has been awful for 20 years.

it has been awful for 20 years. it has been awful for 20 years.

you think Reading get the Home you think Reading get the Home

you think Reading get the Home you think Reading get the Home

Office and just a service to change Office and just a service to change

Office and just a service to change Office and just a service to change

their minds? I hope so. This pilot, their minds? I hope so. This pilot,

their minds? I hope so. This pilot, their minds? I hope so. This pilot,

we have been talking about it for we have been talking about it for

we have been talking about it for we have been talking about it for

six months. If I was someone who had six months. If I was someone who had

six months. If I was someone who had six months. If I was someone who had

been a victim of burglary in the been a victim of burglary in the

been a victim of burglary in the last six months in Bedfordshire, and

last six months in Bedfordshire, and last six months in Bedfordshire, and

last six months in Bedfordshire, and I knew the offender could be tagged,

I knew the offender could be tagged, I knew the offender could be tagged,

I knew the offender could be tagged, I would be annoyed about the fact I

I would be annoyed about the fact I I would be annoyed about the fact I

was a victim. David Ruffley, you was a victim. David Ruffley, you

was a victim. David Ruffley, you with a shadow policing minister. You

with a shadow policing minister. You with a shadow policing minister. You

with a shadow policing minister. You will define of the lease and Crown

will define of the lease and Crown will define of the lease and Crown

Commissioners. No, it was our Commissioners. No, it was our

policy. You personally well-defined, policy. You personally well-defined,

policy. You personally well-defined, policy. You personally well-defined,

were you? I stuck to the party line. were you? I stuck to the party line.

were you? I stuck to the party line. Not really answering the question at

Not really answering the question at Not really answering the question at

Mike I canvassed and campaigned for Mike I canvassed and campaigned for

Mike I canvassed and campaigned for them. We have talked about these

them. We have talked about these them. We have talked about these

innovative ideas. The fact is that innovative ideas. The fact is that

innovative ideas. The fact is that innovative ideas. The fact is that

there was a poor time out last there was a poor time out last

November, which was regrettable. November, which was regrettable.

November, which was regrettable. Commissioners can make a difference.

Commissioners can make a difference. Commissioners can make a difference.

They can try different things in They can try different things in

They can try different things in different parts of the country. If

different parts of the country. If different parts of the country. If

different parts of the country. If this works in your county, I will be

this works in your county, I will be this works in your county, I will be

suggesting that to the Suffolk suggesting that to the Suffolk

suggesting that to the Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner. I

Police and Crime Commissioner. I Police and Crime Commissioner. I

Police and Crime Commissioner. I think this is a good indication it

think this is a good indication it think this is a good indication it

may work. Olly Martins, how much may work. Olly Martins, how much

may work. Olly Martins, how much may work. Olly Martins, how much

clout do you have? You can suggest clout do you have? You can suggest

clout do you have? You can suggest clout do you have? You can suggest

things, but isn't it up to the Chief things, but isn't it up to the Chief

things, but isn't it up to the Chief Constable to implement them? That

Constable to implement them? That Constable to implement them? That

Constable to implement them? That could leave you in the cold. That is

could leave you in the cold. That is could leave you in the cold. That is

could leave you in the cold. That is could leave you in the cold. That is

not the sense I get. I think I am not the sense I get. I think I am

not the sense I get. I think I am quite lucky having a Chief Constable

quite lucky having a Chief Constable quite lucky having a Chief Constable

quite lucky having a Chief Constable that I can work with quite closely.

that I can work with quite closely. that I can work with quite closely.

We have quite a good relationship. We have quite a good relationship.

We have quite a good relationship. We have quite a good relationship.

It is the early stages of the It is the early stages of the

It is the early stages of the relationship. It is the early stage

relationship. It is the early stage relationship. It is the early stage

of implementing the all Police and of implementing the all Police and

of implementing the all Police and Crime Commissioner thing. I think I

Crime Commissioner thing. I think I Crime Commissioner thing. I think I

am working hard to establish my am working hard to establish my

am working hard to establish my legitimacy with people. I am doing

legitimacy with people. I am doing legitimacy with people. I am doing

legitimacy with people. I am doing that by trying to work hard and

that by trying to work hard and that by trying to work hard and

that by trying to work hard and being a strong voice for the people

of Bedfordshire. of Bedfordshire.

of Bedfordshire. of Bedfordshire.

In Europe, a major row is brewing In Europe, a major row is brewing

In Europe, a major row is brewing over plans by the European

over plans by the European over plans by the European

over plans by the European Commission to ban a popular type of

Commission to ban a popular type of Commission to ban a popular type of

pesticide. The Food Standards Agency pesticide. The Food Standards Agency

pesticide. The Food Standards Agency pesticide. The Food Standards Agency

pesticide. The Food Standards Agency in Europe wants a ban on the use of

in Europe wants a ban on the use of neo-nicotinoids, used and fields.

neo-nicotinoids, used and fields. neo-nicotinoids, used and fields.

Use of the pesticides is partly Use of the pesticides is partly

Use of the pesticides is partly Use of the pesticides is partly

responsible for a decline in the to population.

population. population.

population. If we were allowed to use those

If we were allowed to use those If we were allowed to use those

products, it would have a greater products, it would have a greater

products, it would have a greater impact on the environment and

impact on the environment and impact on the environment and

withdrew -- leads to reduce yields. withdrew -- leads to reduce yields.

withdrew -- leads to reduce yields. withdrew -- leads to reduce yields.

It could have a 20% reduction on It could have a 20% reduction on

It could have a 20% reduction on oilseed crop. I really believe that

oilseed crop. I really believe that oilseed crop. I really believe that

oilseed crop. I really believe that this needs to be stopped with it

this needs to be stopped with it this needs to be stopped with it

this needs to be stopped with it is. Euro MPs from our region who sit

is. Euro MPs from our region who sit is. Euro MPs from our region who sit

on the agricultural committee have on the agricultural committee have

on the agricultural committee have been fighting against plans in

been fighting against plans in been fighting against plans in

Brussels. They say researchers in Brussels. They say researchers in

Brussels. They say researchers in Brussels. They say researchers in

its early stages and a ban would be its early stages and a ban would be

its early stages and a ban would be harmful for farmers. What we're

harmful for farmers. What we're harmful for farmers. What we're

seeing is a knee-jerk reaction to seeing is a knee-jerk reaction to

seeing is a knee-jerk reaction to seeing is a knee-jerk reaction to

the green lobby. We have been using the green lobby. We have been using

the green lobby. We have been using these materials for many years. One

these materials for many years. One these materials for many years. One

these materials for many years. One or two more years to test them

or two more years to test them properly, and a research

properly, and a research properly, and a research

establishment, I don't think will do establishment, I don't think will do

establishment, I don't think will do long-term damage. We will at least

long-term damage. We will at least long-term damage. We will at least

long-term damage. We will at least know if they are harmful or not.

know if they are harmful or not. know if they are harmful or not.

Joining us is Craig Bennett, friends Joining us is Craig Bennett, friends

Joining us is Craig Bennett, friends of the Earth's director of policies.

of the Earth's director of policies. of the Earth's director of policies.

of the Earth's director of policies. We have had these pesticides for a

We have had these pesticides for a We have had these pesticides for a

We have had these pesticides for a long time, why not wait a few years

long time, why not wait a few years long time, why not wait a few years

long time, why not wait a few years M we are missing the point. When

M we are missing the point. When M we are missing the point. When

changes on the agenda, people can changes on the agenda, people can

changes on the agenda, people can changes on the agenda, people can

focus on the cost of change. With focus on the cost of change. With

focus on the cost of change. With this, the real cost is associated

this, the real cost is associated this, the real cost is associated

with not banning these chemicals. with not banning these chemicals.

with not banning these chemicals. with not banning these chemicals.

Around the world, there are parts of Around the world, there are parts of

Around the world, there are parts of Around the world, there are parts of

the world where people are having to the world where people are having to

the world where people are having to employ individuals to go round and

employ individuals to go round and employ individuals to go round and

hand pollinate crops. We did some hand pollinate crops. We did some

hand pollinate crops. We did some research last year with the

research last year with the research last year with the

University of reading which looked University of reading which looked

University of reading which looked University of reading which looked

at how much it would cost the UK at how much it would cost the UK

at how much it would cost the UK economy. It would cost 1.8 billion

economy. It would cost 1.8 billion economy. It would cost 1.8 billion

economy. It would cost 1.8 billion times for the UK economy. What about

times for the UK economy. What about times for the UK economy. What about

the knock-on effect of not using the knock-on effect of not using

the knock-on effect of not using these pesticides? We'll yields Biot

these pesticides? We'll yields Biot these pesticides? We'll yields Biot

affected? There are alternatives. We affected? There are alternatives. We

affected? There are alternatives. We don't think we should just leave

don't think we should just leave don't think we should just leave

don't think we should just leave farmers to get on with it. The

farmers to get on with it. The farmers to get on with it. The

Government has to work with farmers Government has to work with farmers

and research establishments, trying and research establishments, trying

and research establishments, trying and research establishments, trying

to look at the research and see what to look at the research and see what

to look at the research and see what the impacts are. Some of those

the impacts are. Some of those the impacts are. Some of those

alternatives already exist, but we alternatives already exist, but we

alternatives already exist, but we alternatives already exist, but we

need better ones. The real cost is need better ones. The real cost is

need better ones. The real cost is not taking this action when the

not taking this action when the not taking this action when the

scientific evidence is clear all the scientific evidence is clear all the

scientific evidence is clear all the time. Shouldn't we listen to

time. Shouldn't we listen to time. Shouldn't we listen to

organisations that aren't at all organisations that aren't at all

organisations that aren't at all sure these pesticides are at all

sure these pesticides are at all sure these pesticides are at all

responsible for the decline in responsible for the decline in

responsible for the decline in responsible for the decline in

bees? It is about bees in the bees? It is about bees in the

bees? It is about bees in the environment. Research has come back

environment. Research has come back environment. Research has come back

environment. Research has come back just this week that has shown that

just this week that has shown that just this week that has shown that

just this week that has shown that just this week that has shown that

what we need is not just one or two what we need is not just one or two

what we need is not just one or two what we need is not just one or two

species of bees, we need the many species of bees, we need the many

species of bees, we need the many hundreds of species to be preserved,

hundreds of species to be preserved, hundreds of species to be preserved,

because that makes us much more because that makes us much more

because that makes us much more resilient to shocks like diseases

resilient to shocks like diseases resilient to shocks like diseases

that can spread through populations. that can spread through populations.

that can spread through populations. that can spread through populations.

It is very clear that we have seen It is very clear that we have seen

It is very clear that we have seen this growing weight of evidence.

this growing weight of evidence. this growing weight of evidence.

this growing weight of evidence. Reports have said that it is a high

Reports have said that it is a high Reports have said that it is a high

Reports have said that it is a high risk to our food and be populations

risk to our food and be populations risk to our food and be populations

risk to our food and be populations if we don't take this step now.

if we don't take this step now. if we don't take this step now.

if we don't take this step now. I do concern for the farmers of the

I do concern for the farmers of the I do concern for the farmers of the

bees? There's an analogy with bees? There's an analogy with

climate change, inasmuch as climate change, inasmuch as

climate change, inasmuch as scientific research doesn't give you

scientific research doesn't give you scientific research doesn't give you

absolute certainty. We know there is absolute certainty. We know there is

absolute certainty. We know there is absolute certainty. We know there is

a problem. We know that is a problem a problem. We know that is a problem

a problem. We know that is a problem with the climate and diminishing bee

with the climate and diminishing bee with the climate and diminishing bee

with the climate and diminishing bee numbers. It does seem to me that we

numbers. It does seem to me that we numbers. It does seem to me that we

numbers. It does seem to me that we need to look at the steps to be

need to look at the steps to be need to look at the steps to be

need to look at the steps to be taken. Do you see this as Europe

taken. Do you see this as Europe taken. Do you see this as Europe

taken. Do you see this as Europe sticking their nose in where it is

sticking their nose in where it is sticking their nose in where it is

not wanted? There is a serious not wanted? There is a serious

not wanted? There is a serious not wanted? There is a serious

point. All MPs have had a huge point. All MPs have had a huge

point. All MPs have had a huge number of letters from concerned

number of letters from concerned number of letters from concerned

constituents. I have probably about constituents. I have probably about

constituents. I have probably about constituents. I have probably about

80 or 90. People are into ecology 80 or 90. People are into ecology

80 or 90. People are into ecology and conservation for the reasons you

and conservation for the reasons you and conservation for the reasons you

have mentioned. My only concern is have mentioned. My only concern is

have mentioned. My only concern is have mentioned. My only concern is

that the science is at a fairly that the science is at a fairly

that the science is at a fairly indeterminate stage. Before we take

indeterminate stage. Before we take diktats from unelected Brussels

diktats from unelected Brussels diktats from unelected Brussels

commission's, we should look at the commission's, we should look at the

commission's, we should look at the commission's, we should look at the

commission's, we should look at the signs of it more. I would not be too

signs of it more. I would not be too signs of it more. I would not be too

signs of it more. I would not be too worried about waiting a year or so.

worried about waiting a year or so. worried about waiting a year or so.

Some other countries have already Some other countries have already

Some other countries have already brought it in. Slovenia and Italy

brought it in. Slovenia and Italy brought it in. Slovenia and Italy

brought it in. Slovenia and Italy have brought him. Some places in the

have brought him. Some places in the have brought him. Some places in the

UK have taken pesticides off the UK have taken pesticides off the

UK have taken pesticides off the UK have taken pesticides off the

shelves. It is true, but it is not shelves. It is true, but it is not

shelves. It is true, but it is not certain that the visit link between

certain that the visit link between certain that the visit link between

declining bee populations and these declining bee populations and these

declining bee populations and these particular chemicals. I think there

particular chemicals. I think there particular chemicals. I think there

particular chemicals. I think there should be more science to bottom it

should be more science to bottom it should be more science to bottom it

should be more science to bottom it out. If that is the case, let's make

out. If that is the case, let's make out. If that is the case, let's make

the ban total. The decision should the ban total. The decision should

the ban total. The decision should the ban total. The decision should

have been made this month. It has have been made this month. It has

have been made this month. It has been put back. People aren't

been put back. People aren't been put back. People aren't

listening to you, are they? listening to you, are they?

listening to you, are they? public and companies away ahead of

public and companies away ahead of public and companies away ahead of

politicians. We have seen companies politicians. We have seen companies

politicians. We have seen companies politicians. We have seen companies

as you said. DIY stores are banning as you said. DIY stores are banning

as you said. DIY stores are banning these chemicals. There is huge

these chemicals. There is huge these chemicals. There is huge

public interest in this. The public interest in this. The

public interest in this. The politicians are gathering. -- the

politicians are gathering. -- the politicians are gathering. -- the

activating. Farmers at the coal activating. Farmers at the coal

activating. Farmers at the coal activating. Farmers at the coal

face, they know the effects and they face, they know the effects and they

face, they know the effects and they face, they know the effects and they

have great concerns. It is not a have great concerns. It is not a

have great concerns. It is not a unified view among farmers on this.

unified view among farmers on this. unified view among farmers on this.

unified view among farmers on this. You can find plenty of farmers, and

You can find plenty of farmers, and You can find plenty of farmers, and

You can find plenty of farmers, and we work with at friends of the

we work with at friends of the we work with at friends of the

author, that want to see the author, that want to see the

author, that want to see the pesticides suspended for a while.

pesticides suspended for a while. pesticides suspended for a while.

Suspending the use might give us Suspending the use might give us

Suspending the use might give us much clearer evidence about what we

much clearer evidence about what we much clearer evidence about what we

need. Waiting until we get crystal need. Waiting until we get crystal

need. Waiting until we get crystal need. Waiting until we get crystal

clear evidence might be clued -- too clear evidence might be clued -- too

clear evidence might be clued -- too clear evidence might be clued -- too

late. We need to act now. We're not late. We need to act now. We're not

late. We need to act now. We're not saying this is the only problem

saying this is the only problem affecting bees. Thank you.

affecting bees. Thank you. affecting bees. Thank you.

affecting bees. Thank you. Now for the round-up of the little

Now for the round-up of the little Now for the round-up of the little

Now for the round-up of the little weak in 60 seconds. -- the political

weak in 60 seconds. -- the political week in 60 seconds.

week in 60 seconds. week in 60 seconds.

week in 60 seconds. A bad start to the week for 800

A bad start to the week for 800 A bad start to the week for 800

workers at the Tesco supply Centre workers at the Tesco supply Centre

workers at the Tesco supply Centre workers at the Tesco supply Centre

in Havel after surprise news it is to close.

to close. to close.

to close. to close.

It is able to our town. I am pleased It is able to our town. I am pleased

It is able to our town. I am pleased that after our conversation with

that after our conversation with that after our conversation with

them, workers will be assured jobs them, workers will be assured jobs

them, workers will be assured jobs in other parts of Tesco.

in other parts of Tesco. in other parts of Tesco.

And criticism from the Government And criticism from the Government

And criticism from the Government And criticism from the Government

that the people of Corby are still that the people of Corby are still

that the people of Corby are still that the people of Corby are still

waiting to find out why it took so waiting to find out why it took so

waiting to find out why it took so waiting to find out why it took so

much extra money to build the Corby It is the money we are spending.

It is the money we are spending. It is the money we are spending.

Welcome news for opponents of the Welcome news for opponents of the

Welcome news for opponents of the AA's plans to expand Stansted.

AA's plans to expand Stansted. AA's plans to expand Stansted.

And Nadine Dorries welcomes our And Nadine Dorries welcomes our

And Nadine Dorries welcomes our opportunity to ask our first

opportunity to ask our first opportunity to ask our first

question of David Cameron since her question of David Cameron since her

return from the jungle. return from the jungle.

return from the jungle. return from the jungle.

I wonder if the Prime Minister can I wonder if the Prime Minister can

I wonder if the Prime Minister can speak to the Department of Education

speak to the Department of Education speak to the Department of Education

speak to the Department of Education to let me know the reason. I have

to let me know the reason. I have to let me know the reason. I have

110 agitated people who want to 110 agitated people who want to

110 agitated people who want to 110 agitated people who want to

know. All she needs now is the whip back.

back. back.

David Ruffley, what about the owners David Ruffley, what about the owners

David Ruffley, what about the owners of Stansted airport saying they want

of Stansted airport saying they want of Stansted airport saying they want

to compete with other airports? That to compete with other airports? That

to compete with other airports? That to compete with other airports? That

is good for the region, isn't it? is good for the region, isn't it?

is good for the region, isn't it? is good, but there is still

is good, but there is still is good, but there is still

uncertainty. David Cameron has said uncertainty. David Cameron has said

uncertainty. David Cameron has said uncertainty. David Cameron has said

he's not sure we will get extra he's not sure we will get extra

he's not sure we will get extra capacity. Boris Johnson has said

capacity. Boris Johnson has said capacity. Boris Johnson has said

maybe a solution is to expand maybe a solution is to expand

maybe a solution is to expand Stansted. I think the future for

Stansted. I think the future for Stansted. I think the future for

Stansted is still uncertain. As to Stansted is still uncertain. As to

Stansted is still uncertain. As to Stansted is still uncertain. As to

whether or not it grows even bigger, whether or not it grows even bigger,

whether or not it grows even bigger, that is the big question.

that is the big question. that is the big question.

Campaigners seem happier. They think Campaigners seem happier. They think

Campaigners seem happier. They think Campaigners seem happier. They think

the prospect of a second runway is the prospect of a second runway is

the prospect of a second runway is the prospect of a second runway is

now far away into the bushes. Will now far away into the bushes. Will

now far away into the bushes. Will now far away into the bushes. Will

that make a difference? At the end that make a difference? At the end

that make a difference? At the end that make a difference? At the end

of the day, there is still a issue of the day, there is still a issue

of the day, there is still a issue about capacity. That needs to be

about capacity. That needs to be about capacity. That needs to be

about capacity. That needs to be addressed. I don't know. If I was an

addressed. I don't know. If I was an addressed. I don't know. If I was an

opponent of expansion at Stansted, I opponent of expansion at Stansted, I

opponent of expansion at Stansted, I might not relax too much.

might not relax too much. might not relax too much.

capacity is only running at about capacity is only running at about

capacity is only running at about capacity is only running at about

half at the moment? If there is half at the moment? If there is

half at the moment? If there is another runway there, the idea would

another runway there, the idea would another runway there, the idea would

be to Bogota. That would take be to Bogota. That would take

be to Bogota. That would take capacity from Heathrow. Thank you.

capacity from Heathrow. Thank you. capacity from Heathrow. Thank you.

capacity from Heathrow. Thank you. capacity from Heathrow. Thank you.

That is all from us. We are back at That is all from us. We are back at

That is all from us. We are back at That is all from us. We are back at

11 o'clock next week when we will 11 o'clock next week when we will

11 o'clock next week when we will look at private companies providing