Open letter to the police about impact of Bush visit (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Open letter to the police about impact of Bush visit

November 19, 2003 12:00 AM

Dear Chief Superintendent Much has been said in the press over the last few weeks about the policing of the State Visit to the United Kingdom by George Bush, President of the United States of America. New Scotland Yard this week revealed that 14,000 officers, almost half of the entire Metropolitan Police Service would be engaged in duties connected to the State Visit and that the costs would amount to at least #5.5 million. It seems impossible to me that 14,000 officers can be transferred to these special responsibilities, albeit for only four days, without there being a significantly detrimental impact on policing in the boroughs. I am therefore writing to ask, on behalf of Islington Council: How many of your officers have been transferred away from policing the London Borough of Islington and ensuring the safety of its citizens for the duration of the State Visit? What steps have you put in place to cover any intermediate or major incidents in the Borough whilst your officers are protecting President Bush? What will be the impact on policing in Islington subsequent to the State Visit in terms of additional leave for your officers? I am desperately concerned that the safety and security of Islington's residents and businesses is being put at jeopardy by the reduction in available police officers during and after the State Visit. This is particularly so when the cost of this unnecessary waste of police resources will be imposed on the Council Tax payers in the Borough next March when Ken Livingstone increases the GLA/MPA precept. An early response to this matter would be much appreciated. Yours sincerely, Cllr Laura Willoughby