STEP CHANGE: TOO LITTLE TOO LATE

12.01.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 5th Apr 2004

Commenting on the launch later today of the 'Step Change' programme by Mr Livingstone and the Met Police, Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate, Simon Hughes MP, said:-

"It is a bit rich of the Mayor to start rolling out a programme of community policing just two months before an election. After three and a half years of his tenure it is incredible that only now does policing and crime become a priority for the outgoing Mayor.

"If Mr Livingstone had been truly committed to Step Change he would have started his programme when he first came into office. It is too little, too late.

"My commitment to Londoners is that by 2006, every ward, of every Borough, in every part of London, will have a Minimum Policing Guarantee of eight uniformed officers, unable to be taken any from their local duties, patrolling the streets."

ENDS