Fawcett responds to loss of four of the most senior women in British politics

On the same day that two senior female Labour MPs announced their resignation, news has emerged that Britain’s first female home secretary Jacqui Smith will be standing down in Gordon Brown’s cabinet reshuffle.

The news follows announcements from families minister Beverley Hughes and former health secretary Patricia Hewitt that they will be standing down at the next election.

On Wednesday 3rd June, communities secretary Hazel Blears also announced her resignation from cabinet.

Katherine Rake, Director the Fawcett Society, said: “It’s a difficult day to lose four of the most senior women in a political system where women are already underrepresented – particularly just days before the local and European elections take place.

"It’s vital that Gordon Brown recognises that voters will be looking to him to ensure women are represented in the Cabinet reshuffle. The Government must demonstrate a firm commitment to the equalities agenda in this transitional period."

Liberty responds to Home Secretary’s departure

(London, 3 June 2009) The Home Secretary confirmed today that she would be standing down at the next cabinet re-shuffle.

Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty, said;

“Jacqui Smith was the first woman Home Secretary – an historic achievement not to be underestimated. Further, if political survival is a measure of success, nearly two years in one of the highest and hottest seats in Government is a perfectly reasonable tenancy.

Sadly, it is harder to find distinction in recent policy on home affairs.

The misguided and mercifully failed attempt to get 42-day detention without charge onto the statute book wasted over a year's worth of political energy and capital. The stubborn refusal to dump the dangerous and expensive folly of identity cards became symbolic not only of a creeping contempt for personal privacy, but of politics more generally out of touch.

To add insult to irony, a Secretary of State so careless with the presumption of innocence, found herself with many of her colleagues under the spotlight of scrutiny and suspicion.

It must be hoped that future home secretaries learn from this parable and that young women in particular are encouraged not deterred."

Jacqui Smith was appointed Home Secretary in October 2008.

We need a change of Government, not just a new Home Secretary

Chris Grayling has stressed that Jacqui Smith’s decision to stand down as Home Secretary will not solve the problems facing Britain.

Chris, the Shadow Home Secretary, warned that the Labour Government is showing "no direction at all" and said that Britain urgently needs a General Election.

"Crime and anti-social behaviour affect people up and down the country and make life a misery for many. Knife homicides are the highest on record, violent crime is nearly double the level of a decade ago and binge drinking blights our neighbourhoods.”

"After twelve years of failure and a society which is broken, what we need is a change of Government, not just a new Home Secretary.”

Chris added, "The Prime Minister is losing control of his own reshuffle and there seems to be no direction at all. We really now need a General Election."

(Home Office) Gurkhas given right to settle in the UK

All former Gurkhas who have served in the British Army for at least four years will now be eligible for settlement in the UK, the Home Secretary announced in Parliament today.

Under the new policy, those Gurkhas who retired prior to 1 July 1997 and completed four years service can apply to settle in the UK with their spouses and dependent children.

The policy introduced today refers specifically to those Gurkhas who retired before 1 July 1997 and who will now be granted settlement rights under the new scheme. Those who retired after 1 July 1997 are already eligible to apply for settlement under the current immigration rules.

Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith said:

"Generations of Gurkhas have served the United Kingdom with great courage, sacrifice and distinction and they continue to make a vital and valued contribution to our operations around the world.

"We respect the will of the House of Commons on this issue and that is why I have now announced a new policy, the basis of which we have worked on with the Home Affairs Select Committee and Gurkha representatives.

"This means we can now welcome any Gurkha who has served for four years or more to settle in the UK."

In 2004 the Government granted the first Gurkhas the right of settlement in Britain if they served on or after 1 July 1997 - the point at which the Brigade's base moved to the UK. Since then, over 6,000 Gurkhas and their families have been given the right to live in the UK.

The new policy announced will allow settlement rights to be granted to all those who retired from the Brigade of Gurkhas prior to 1 July 1997 with four or more years' service. The new policy reflects the fresh advice of the Home Affairs Select Committee around the numbers of Gurkhas and their families likely to apply under the new rules.

Kevan Jones, Minister for Veterans said:

"The British Army and the Ministry of Defence are determined to do all that we can to uphold our ongoing commitment to the welfare of former Gurkhas, whether in Nepal or the UK. We value greatly the bravery, commitment and dedication which they have shown over many years and continue to demonstrate on operations today."

(Home Office) Tough new powers and mandatory code to tackle irresponsible alcohol sales

A ban on irresponsible drinks promotions including "all you can drink for £10", speed drinking competitions and "dentist's chairs" - pouring alcohol directly into people's mouths - are among the conditions of a proposed new mandatory code on alcohol sales launched for consultation by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith today.

The proposed mandatory code of practice for pubs, clubs, off-licences and supermarkets is the latest step in the Government's plans to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder and harm to health which costs the UK up to £13 billion every year.

The proposals take a two-tiered approach with a small number of mandatory conditions for all alcohol retailers, which will ensure consistent good practice alongside new discretionary powers for local authorities to tackle problem premises where irresponsible drinking could put individuals at risk and lead to crime and anti-social behaviour.

Any premises that breach the mandatory code or local discretionary conditions that have been imposed will face a range of possible sanctions including losing their licence, having additional tough conditions imposed on their licence or, on summary conviction, a maximum £20,000 fine and/or six months imprisonment.

The proposed mandatory code of practice includes;
* banning promotions such as "all you can drink for £10", speed drinking competitions and "dentist's chairs" where alcohol is dispensed directly into the mouth of any customer. These promotions encourage people to drink quickly or irresponsibly, can lead to crime or antisocial behaviour and make it impossible for people to keep track of the units consumed;

* ensuring all bars, pubs and clubs offer alcohol in both measures so customers have the choice between a single or double measure of spirits and a large or small glass of wine; and

* requiring alcohol retailers to display information about the alcohol unit content of drinks and for supermarkets and convenience stores, the health impacts of alcohol under powers from the Food Safety Act. This allows customers to make an informed decision about how much they drink and the effects on their own health.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:
"Alcohol-related crime and disorder costs the UK billions every year in police and hospital resources, not to mention the effect it has on the lives of the millions of decent people who want to enjoy a night out.

"We do not want to stop the vast majority of people who enjoy a drink responsibly from doing so but this code will crack down on the minority of businesses whose irresponsible promotions fuel the excessive drinking that can lead people into crime and disorder or to risk their own or other's safety. It is not about penalising the majority who trade responsibly but the Government has a duty to tackle this issue which affects us all.

"We have consulted with the alcohol industry to ensure the conditions in the proposed code target the irresponsible practices that most people agree should not be allowed."

Secretary of State for Health, Alan Johnson said:
"The alcohol industry has a responsibility to help reduce harm from alcohol. This code will give them the framework in which to live up to that responsibility.

"People must also be able to make informed choices about their drinking habits. Our Units campaign is already giving the facts about alcohol units. Today's proposals would see all alcohol retailers reinforcing this with information for their customers on the number of units in their drinks and the health risks of drinking too much."

Alcohol Concern Chief Executive Don Shenker said:

"A mandatory code is a necessary step in the right direction towards cutting crime and health problems caused by alcohol.

"These measures are long overdue - for too long, the industry has failed to regulate itself. This new code will help people make healthy choices while further protecting communities from crime."

As well as the mandatory conditions there are also a flexible secondary set of conditions that can be imposed by licensing authorities on two or more premises in one area where they are clearly associated with alcohol-related nuisance and disorder.

These conditions will enable local councils to take tough action in areas experiencing particularly high levels of alcohol-related disorder by imposing strict conditions to stop irresponsible promotions or practices and to ensure that premises are responsibly run.

Additional conditions for alcohol crime hotspots include;
* restricting happy hours or "pub crawl" promotions at particular times most associated with alcohol-related crime and disorder;

* banning irresponsible bulk buy promotions where for example a consumer must buy more than one 24 pack of lager to obtain a discount to reduce the risk or people drinking excessive amounts of alcohol at home then going out already drunk and causing crime and disorder;

* requiring staff to operate a Challenge 21 policy where anyone who may look under 21 must produce proof of age to buy alcohol;

* requiring licensed door staff to conduct checks for weapons and drugs at times most associated with alcohol-related crime and disorder;

* banning glass containers or ensuring glasses are collected at regular intervals to reduce the risk of violent incidents;

* ensuring that CCTV is in operation at times most associated with alcohol-related crime and disorder; and

* display information on the location of public transport links and taxi numbers to help people get home safely.

The Government has decided not to proceed with any national or local measures around minimum unit price as it would punish unfairly the sensible majority of moderate and responsible drinkers. However the consultation commits to developing further the evidence base in this area.
In addition the consultation asks for views on whether banning retailers from selling alcohol at prices below the level of excise duty paid, plus the VAT due, would further the Government's objectives in tackling alcohol-related harms in a way that does not unduly affect the majority of responsible drinkers and retailers.

Mike Craik, Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) national spokesperson for Alcohol Licensing, said:
"Alcohol misuse impacts on every area of society. But long term sustainable reductions in alcohol misuse can only be delivered by influencing attitudes and behaviour. ACPO welcomes the announcement of the Governments' consultation today around a mandatory code of conduct for the licensing industry and looks forward to working with Government and industry to develop detailed proposals to address what is a significant issue for our society. We want to see an end to promotions that lead to alcohol-fuelled violence.

"Tackling those retailers who continue to trade without considering the effect of their actions on communities is a step in the right direction. However, just as not all people who drink do so irresponsibly, not all retailers trade irresponsibly and putting an end to irresponsible drinks promotion is not the only solution.

"We need cultural change, properly planned town centres, appropriate licensing decisions, courts handing down appropriate sentences and of course, continued enforcement activity targeted at problem premises and problem individuals."

The consultation invites views from members of the public as well as businesses, industry groups and interested organisations. It will run for 12 weeks and responses will be used to inform and develop the final set of conditions.

In deciding when to implement the Code, we will take full account of the views of the pub and drinks trade and the economic conditions affecting the industry at present. The Government will pay particular attention to minimising the impact on the great majority of responsible pubs, clubs and retailers and giving them enough time to adapt to mandatory provisions in the Code.

(DH) New health taskforce to spot signs of violence against women

A new taskforce of health professionals working together to spot early signs of violence and abuse against women and girls, investigate the scale of the problem and ensure victims across the NHS get the support they need was announced today by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and Health Secretary Alan Johnson.

The taskforce has been set up in response to issues raised during the Violence against Women and Girls consultation which began in March. The Government recognises that victims may talk more freely with health professionals about their fear of violence - even when they are not ready to take the next step to reporting the crime. The Government wants to make sure that health professionals are prepared to give victims of violence and abuse information about local support services. The taskforce will also look at helping health workers to identify women at risk earlier and how they can offer these women support to reduce repeat victimisation.

Professor Sir George Alberti, former National Clinical Director for Emergency Access and Service Design, will lead the work of the taskforce. The taskforce will comprise health professionals, NHS managers and representatives from the public, social services and voluntary sector.

Alongside this, the Government also pledged to double funding for the 24-hour National Domestic Violence helpline, bringing total support to £1 million for this year.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:

"Violence against women and girls is completely unacceptable and we must all see it as our duty to step in and help someone who is at risk. This is not limited to friends and family; as we said in our consultation document, we need a wide range of workers on the frontline to be alert to the signs of violence against women and girls and able to provide support.

"I want to make sure that vulnerable women or victims who access healthcare can also get help and advice about protecting themselves as well as information about local support services.

"That is why we need this new taskforce - violence against women and girls is a public health issue affecting the lives of thousands of NHS patients every year and we need to do all we can together to prevent violence from occurring."

Health Secretary Alan Johnson said:

"Almost one in three women will experience domestic violence at some point during their lives and nearly one in four will experience some form of sexual assault. This taskforce will bring together health professionals and women's organisations to help tackle violence against women and girls by responding to its early signs and supporting its victims.

"Many women who have suffered violence and abuse turn to GPs and A&E for support and treatment - the taskforce will help us to ensure that all NHS staff are trained to care for women and girls and help prevent further abuse.

"We are also continuing to support the National Domestic Violence helpline for women so they can safely get the help they need at any time."

Professor George Alberti said:

"Violence and abuse against women and girls is an enormously important and rather a neglected area. I am delighted to have been invited to lead this taskforce to help better support victims and protect them from further harm.

"The taskforce will bring together people with a range of different skills and experience to help tackle violence and abuse against women and girls. We will also ensure that the voices and experiences of victims themselves are properly represented."

(Home Office) Public given greater say as new crime strategy is published

Local people will be able to choose how money from a £4 million criminal assets fund is spent in their area, alongside further targeted work to tackle property-related crime and a tougher approach to dealing with prolific offenders announced by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and Justice Secretary Jack Straw today.

Speaking today at the first conference for Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs), the Prime Minister unveiled the Government's updated crime strategy - Cutting Crime: Two Years On - and set out the Government's commitment to tackling the new crime challenges the country faces. The action the Government is taking will build on existing policies to prevent crime and deliver responsive, visible justice which has resulted in a fall in crime of almost 40 per cent since 1997.

The Prime Minister announced:

* A new programme tackling serious property-related crimes such as burglary, robbery and car theft. This programme will target interventions in areas where emerging problems are identified to prevent them from becoming entrenched. Operation Vigilance will include a £3 million scheme piloted in these priority areas will intensify the targeting and management of known offenders, helping police, probation and local authorities learn from what works and how to use more proactive methods to target and catch offenders.

* Stronger powers to seize criminal assets and a greater public say in how these are spent. The public will be able to have a say on how a £4 million fund of cash seized from criminals is spent in their local area. The fund will be available for local projects and will be decided by local communities using websites, neighbourhood policing meetings or citizens' panels. Powers will also be introduced to ensure criminals must prove their assets like boats and cars came from legitimate source. This comes as the first performance tables showing the value of assets seized by individual police forces are published today, showing in the value of criminals' assets seized by the police has risen from £100 million 2006/7 to more than £150 million by 2008/9.

* The first Virtual Courts pilot to ensure a speedier and more efficient justice system for all. Cases could be heard at a magistrates' court via secure video link from the police station within four hours of a defendant being charged. If successful, this could cut costs by £10 million a year, free up police and magistrates' court's time and improve the service given to victims and witnesses.

* Intensive Community Payback to be rolled out over the coming year to even more unemployed offenders where they will have to carry out demanding work for at least 18 hours a week. This will ensure a significant loss of liberty and free time for more offenders across England and Wales who must now wear branded orange jackets so that the public can see that justice is being done.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:

"Since 1997 overall crime has dropped by nearly 40 per cent and we continue to deliver on our vision of communities where people feel confident to live their lives, free from fear of crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Britain is far from broken and we have acted decisively against new and difficult challenges to save lives from knife-crime and gang-related violence. We are now facing tougher economic times and I am determined, when people are feeling less secure financially, we will do everything in our power to protect their safety and security.

"That is why we're publishing an updated Crime Strategy to address those new challenges and to show the army of police and partners across the country that we keep listening and taking action. Together we will continue to build safer communities."

Operation Vigilance will initially run for one year before being reviewed and will build on partnership working between local agencies to develop new methods of tackling property crimes like burglary and theft with a view to sharing best practice on a national scale.

The virtual courts scheme enables defendants charged in a participating police station to appear in a magistrates' court via a secure video link, speeding up first hearings and so freeing up police and court resources and improving the service given to victims and witnesses. It follows a prototype study in July 2007 at Camberwell which found that the time between charge and first hearing could be cut from an average of 10 days to around four hours.

This builds on proposals in the recent Engaging Communities in Criminal Justice Green Paper to give communities more say in the way justice is delivered in their neighbourhoods. The green paper included pioneering a package of measures in 30 areas across England and Wales to test a range of initiatives that will deliver justice for all and put people back at the heart of the justice system.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw said:

"I want people to have full confidence in the justice system, and an important part of this is ensuring that justice is done and seen to be done. People's chances of being a victim of crime are the lowest since records began in 1981 and we are determined to build on this to ensure our neighbourhoods are as safe as they can be.

"The new crime strategy published today will do just that by setting out a range of measures to help the police, probation and local authorities better tackle acquisitive crime like burglary and give people a say in how funds seized from criminals can be used to pay back local communities. We are also ensuring that even more offenders are carrying out intensive community payback as a demanding punishment to repay the wrongs they have committed as well as providing the prison capacity needed to lock up the most serious, dangerous and persistent offenders.

"As well as this, I have today launched the first Virtual Courts pilot to ensure a speedier and more efficient justice system. Defendants could appear before court via a secure video link from a police station just hours after being charged and, if they plead guilty, be sentenced on the same day. This will transform the way the justice system deals with crimes, free up police time and improve the service given to victims and witnesses."
Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Adviser Louise Casey said:

"The public want to know that criminals face tough consequences for their crimes. The further roll out of intensive Community Payback as recommended in my review last year is giving the public what they want. Community Payback schemes are not only demanding, hard work but also give the public a say in what criminals must actually do to serve their punishment and pay back to local communities."

What will Jacqui Smith do next, chip us like dogs?

I am almost convinced that the next thing Home Secretary Jacqui Smith will propose is that we will all have to be implanted with computer chips like house hold pets so that we can be tracked wherever we are. Surely we have allowed things to go too far. We need to step back or all of the freedom we think we enjoy will be gone before we even know it...if it hasn't already.

(Home Office) Government outlines new proposals for DNA database

New proposals to reassure the public that the right people are kept on the DNA database were outlined by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith today.

DNA and the use of forensics play an essential role in fighting crime and providing justice for victims. The UK has been recognised as the world leader in developing the use of the national DNA database and catching criminals through reviews of so called "cold cases". Between April 1998 and September 2008 there were more than 390,000 crimes with DNA matches, providing the police with a lead on the possible identity of the offender.

A public consultation - 'Keeping the right people on the DNA database' - includes plans to:

* Destroy all DNA samples like mouth swabs, hair or blood as soon as they are converted into a profile;
* Automatically delete profiles of those arrested but not convicted of serious violent or sexual crimes after 12 years;
* Automatically delete profiles of those arrested but not convicted of all other crimes after six years;
* Retain indefinitely all DNA profiles and fingerprints of those convicted of a recordable offence;
* Remove profiles of young people arrested but not convicted or convicted for less serious offences as a teenager when they turn 18;
* Change the law to retrospectively add all serious violent and sexual criminals who were convicted before the DNA database was established, including those who are now back in the community;
* Change the law to allow the police to take DNA from those who were convicted of serious violent and sexual crimes abroad upon their return to the UK; and
* Keep fingerprints for those arrested but not convicted of serious violent or sexual crimes for 12 years, and six years for all other crimes, before automatic deletion.

As the Home Secretary announced last year, the rules for retaining DNA for those who have committed serious offences must be as tough as possible but the approach should be flexible for others including children. Immediately after the Home Secretary's speech in December all profiles relating to children under 10 years were taken off the DNA database.

In 2006-7 alone there were 41,717 crimes with DNA matches. These included 452 homicides, 644 rapes, 222 other sex offences and 1,872 other violent crimes. There were also thousands of matches with less serious crimes, including more than 8,500 domestic burglaries.

The database has provided a pioneering method not only for catching the guilty but also in proving innocence. It played an essential part in solving thousands of cases, including:

* Finding Mark Dixie guilty of the murder of Sally Ann Bowman, an 18-year-old murdered close to her home in 2005;
* Convicting Steve Wright for the murder of five prostitutes in 2008;
* Linking Kensley Larrier to a rape in 2004 after his DNA was taken following his arrest for possessing a dangerous weapon two years earlier;
* Ruling out the prime suspect who confessed to the murder of one of two schoolgirls found dead. Pioneering work showed that semen samples taken from the girls did not match that suspect, but indicated that the cases were linked as the semen in both cases came from the same person, who in due course was identified as Colin Pitchfork who was jailed for life for the two murders; and
* Clearing Sean Hodgson of the death of a young woman after nearly 30 years in prison earlier this year.

The new proposals deliver a commitment by the Home Secretary to balance public protection from crime with the need to maintain the rights of the individual.

Launching the public consultation, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:

"It is crucial that we do everything we can to protect the public by preventing crime and bringing offenders to justice. The DNA database plays a vital role in helping us do that and will help ensure that a great many criminals are behind bars where they belong.

"As I said in December, I have real sympathy for all those victims and victims' families who have concerns that any move could undermine a system that helped trap murders and rapists, such as Sally Ann Bowman's killer. These new proposals will ensure that the right people are on it, as well as considering where people should come off.

"We will ensure that the most serious offenders are added to the database no matter when or where they were convicted. We also know that the database has provided matches for a significant number of serious crimes as well as providing thousands of matches for less serious crimes that cause great concern to victims, such as burglary, which is why we are proposing to keep some profiles for six years."

Grayling warns we cannot afford the ID card scheme

Chris Grayling has stressed the nation “cannot afford” Labour's ID card scheme and promised that a Conservative Government would “scrap it as quickly as we can”.

The Shadow Home Secretary said he did not think ID cards were “necessary”, especially at a time when “the public finances are in a mess”

He condemned Jacqui Smith’s decision to launch a voluntary, single city scheme in Manchester, stressing:

“Piloting the scheme in one city is nonsensical and will only serve as a tax on the people of Manchester.”

Chris explained that databases for passports and driving licenses already exist, so spending billions on another scheme “just doesn’t seem to make any sense”.

And he promised that under a Conservative Government “the ID card scheme will go. I don’t think it is the right thing to do. We don’t think the nation cannot afford it and it won’t happen."

Huhne: Government should scrap ridiculous ID Card scheme

Attacking the Governments announcement that from this autumn people in Manchester will be able to apply for an ID Card, Chris Huhne described the scheme as “crazy”.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary said, "It is crazy to fritter away billions of pounds on an unnecessary and intrusive ID card scheme during the biggest crisis in public finances for a generation."

Chris Huhne went on "It shows just how out of touch ministers are that they think charging people through the nose to invade their privacy is acceptable."

"The Government may be able to make guinea pigs of pilots by threatening their jobs but when the rest of us are forced to carry ID cards, ministers will discover that they have a laminated poll tax on their hands."

He concluded "Instead of recruiting chemists and post offices, Jacqui Smith should save us all some money and scrap this ridiculous scheme. When in a hole, stop digging."

Jacqui's at it again. Two crazy plans today!!!

I cannot believe that I am the only person in the UK who is worried about the ammount of power that a woman who can't even get her expense claims right wields in the name of the British public.

The first thing that made me cough was news that she will be increasing police use of tasers. Having seen what happened at the G20 protests I didn't think I could find anything more worrying than more policemen with weapons like that.....until I heard about the second thing.

The second thing that concerns me slightly is that she is planning to allow high street shops to be agents for the identity and passport service. This can best be described as utter lunacy. I guarantee that cases of fraud will rocket as a result.

I don't want an ID card. I will refuse to have one now. There is absolutely no way on God's earth that some spotty underpaid teenager working at Tesco or Carphone Warehouse or anywhere else for that matter who needs to find an extra £50 quid before the weekend so he can get on the yayo with the boys is getting his hands on my personal information. So let it be written, so let it be done!!!

(Home Office) High street stores line up to help customers get their passports and id cards

High Street retailers are in talks to offer a local, convenient recording service to people applying for identity cards and biometric passports, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith will announce today.

At a breakfast meeting this morning, Jacqui Smith will meet with organisations who have expressed an interest in working with the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) to offer their customers the ability to record their fingerprints and facial photographs in order to apply for an ID card or second generation passport.

The Government believes the best way to help people apply for identity documents conveniently and cost effectively is for facial data and fingerprints to be collected by trusted high street businesses - just as passport photographs are taken now. The companies would operate under strict standards set by the Home Office.

In a speech to businesses today, the Home Secretary will outline the benefits to individuals, industry, and the economy of a secure, nationally accepted system for verifying identity and state the rollout set down in the March 2008 Delivery Plan is on track. An impact assessment of the National Identity Scheme published today estimates an economic benefit of up to £6bn over the next 30 years.

Jacqui Smith said:

"The National Identity Service is a vital investment in the long term future of this country's economy and security. The companies interested in working with us to deliver the service will play a key role in ensuring the public can apply for an ID card or passport simply and easily.

"While private companies will clearly benefit from the increased footfall from offering this service, their customers will benefit from being able to quickly provide their biometrics while they are out doing the shopping.

"With an identity card, people will be able to prove their identity quickly and conveniently while helping to protect themselves against identity fraud."

The Post Office, and trade bodies the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and Photo Marketing Association International (PMAI) are exploring how they or their members might provide biometric enrolment service to customers.

Nigel McNaught, UK director of the Photo Marketing Association International, which represents most of the current providers of portrait photographs for all types of identity cards including passports, said:

"The public are already quite used to going to their local photographic store for their passport photo and so we are looking forward to working with the IPS to enable our members to introduce these new services to customers."

John Turk, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) which represents the majority of community pharmacies, said:

"The NPA has expressed an interest in ensuring that community pharmacy members have an opportunity to provide biometric enrolment services to their customers. Community pharmacies are located in the heart of their communities, so they could help make the process of applying for an ID card or passport especially convenient."

Alan Cook, Managing Director of the Post Office, said:

"The Post Office branch network with its nationwide reach and its reputation for trust and integrity is ideally placed to play a key role in the roll out of the National Identity Service.

"We are delighted to explore with IPS to see how this service may best be provided to our customers whether they are applying for an identity card, a passport or a biometric visa."

The Home Secretary also confirmed that Greater Manchester has been chosen as the first location for the National Identity Service. Citizens will be able to apply for an identity card there from this autumn before the wider population in 2012.

As announced in the Delivery Plan 2008, the NIS will be rolled out in stages in order to build up card coverage side-by-side with supporting technology such as chip and pin readers.

From today, people across the country who want an identity card can register an interest online via the Directgov website and find out when cards will be available in their area.

(Home Office) Increase in taser use following rollout to more officers

New figures published today show Tasers were used 187 times and discharged 35 times by specially trained units in the period 1 September 2008 to the 31 December 2008.

Taser figures have shown an increase in use following a successful trial in ten forces across England and Wales to extend the use of Tasers beyond dedicated firearms officers to specially trained police response officers. Following the trial Taser was rolled-out to all forces from December 2008.

Figures published today also include a breakdown of all Taser use across England and Wales since it was first introduced in April 2004. Statistics revealed a total of 4,046 uses and 1181 discharges.

Tasers are an invaluable tool in promoting public and police safety. In situations where there has been a real possibility of someone being seriously injured or killed, Tasers have contributed to resolving the incident without injury. In a significant proportion of cases they have not needed to be fired; drawing or aiming the Taser has been enough of a deterrent.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:

"I am proud that we have one of the few police services around the world that do not regularly carry firearms and I want to keep it that way.

"But I am committed to giving the police the tools they need to get crime off our streets. Tasers are making a real difference on our streets, not only keeping the public safe but also protecting our police officers.

"That is why I made funding of £8 million available to police forces to bid for Tasers following the rollout of Taser to specially trained police response officers in all forces. Along with this I also made an additional £2.3 million fund for cartridges to help ensure that this valuable form of defence is rolled out as quickly as possible."

The £8 million fund to support the national roll-out from the trial has already led to forces taking up 7000 new Tasers.

(Home Office) Home Office name promoters of hate excluded from the UK

Individuals banned from the UK for stirring-up hatred have been named and shamed for the first time, the Home Secretary announced today.

The list covers people excluded from the United Kingdom for fostering extremism or hatred between October 2008 and March 2009. It follows the Home Secretary's introduction of new measures against such individuals last year, including creating a presumption in favour of exclusion in respect of all those who have engaged in spreading hate.

The Home Secretary Jacqui Smith also announced today that the government is now able to ban European nationals and their family members if they constitute a threat to public policy or public security.

In the period from 28 October 2008 to 31 March 2009 the Home Secretary excluded a total of 22 individuals from coming to the United Kingdom. It is not considered to be in the public interest to disclose the names of six of these individuals. The remaining 16 individuals are:

Abdullah Qadri Al Ahdal
Preacher. Considered to be engaging in unacceptable behaviour by seeking to foment, justify or glorify terrorist violence in furtherance of particular beliefs and fostering hatred which might lead to inter-community violence.

Yunis Al Astal
Preacher. Considered to be engaging in unacceptable behaviour by seeking to foment, justify or glorify terrorist violence in furtherance of particular beliefs and to provoke others to terrorist acts.

Stephen Donald Black
Set up Stormfront, a racist website. Considered to be engaging in unacceptable behaviour by promoting serious criminal activity and fostering hatred, which might lead to inter-community violence in the United Kingdom.

Wadgy Abd El Hamied Mohamed Ghoneim
A prolific speaker and writer. Considered to be engaging in unacceptable behaviour by seeking to foment, justify or glory terrorist violence in furtherance of particular beliefs and to provoke others to commit terrorist acts.

Eric Gliebe
Has made web-radio broadcasts in which he vilifies certain ethnic groups and encourages the download and distribution of provocative racist leaflets and posters. Considered to be engaging in unacceptable behaviour by justifying terrorist violence, provoking others to commit serious crime and fostering racial hatred.

Mike Guzovsky
Leader of a violent group and actively involved with military training camps. Considered to be engaging in unacceptable behaviour by seeking to foment, justify or glorify terrorist violence in furtherance of particular beliefs and to provoke others to terrorist acts.

Safwat Hijazi
Television preacher. Considered to be engaging in unacceptable behaviour by glorifying terrorist violence.

Nasr Javed
Considered to be engaging in unacceptable behaviour by seeking to foment, justify or glorify terrorist violence in furtherance of particular beliefs.

Abdul Ali Musa
Considered to be engaging in unacceptable behaviour by fomenting and glorifying terrorist violence in furtherance of his particular beliefs and seeking to provoke others to terrorist acts.

Fred Waldron Phelps Snr and Shirley Phelps-Roper
Pastor and leading spokesperson of Westboro Baptist Church. Considered to be engaging in unacceptable behaviour by fostering hatred which might lead to inter-community violence in the United Kingdom.

Samir Al Quntar
Spent three decades in prison for killing four soldiers and a four-year-old girl. Considered to be engaging in unacceptable behaviour by seeking to foment, justify or glorify terrorist violence in furtherance of particular beliefs and to provoke others to terrorist acts.

Artur Ryno and Pavel Skachevsky
Leaders of a violent gang that beat migrants and posted films of their attacks on the internet. Considered to be engaging in unacceptable behaviour by fomenting serious criminal activity and seeking to provoke others to serious criminal acts.

Amir Siddique
Preacher. Considered to be engaging in unacceptable behaviour by fomenting terrorist violence in furtherance of particular beliefs.

Michael Alan Weiner (also known as Michael Savage)
Controversial daily radio host. Considered to be engaging in unacceptable behaviour by seeking to provoke others to serious criminal acts and fostering hatred which might lead to inter-community violence.

The tougher exclusions policy follows the Prime Minister's commitment in the National Security Strategy to take "stronger action against those we suspect of stirring up tensions" and the Home Secretary's decision to introduce a presumption in favour of exclusion for extremists promoting hatred or violence.

Under the new policy we are preventing more promoters of hate from coming to the UK than ever before, with more than five being excluded a month as opposed to two a month under the previous policy.

The Home Secretary said:

"Coming to the UK is a privilege and I refuse to extend that privilege to individuals who abuse our standards and values to undermine our way of life. Therefore, I will not hesitate to name and shame those who foster extremist views as I want them to know that they are not welcome here.

"The government opposes extremism in all its forms and I am determined to stop those who want to spread extremism, hatred and violent messages in our communities from coming to our country. This is the driving force behind tighter rules on exclusions for unacceptable behaviour".

Grayling highlights Labour divisions over ID cards

The splits within the Labour Party over the future of their ID card scheme were revealed today.

David Blunkett, the former Home Secretary, called for the scheme to be scrapped and a senior Cabinet minister told a newspaper that it’s unlikely to go ahead.

Meanwhile, the Home Office continued to insist that the ID card scheme will go ahead.

Chris Grayling, the Shadow Home Secretary, accused Labour of being “all over the place” on the issue:

“They have been telling us for years that they are essential, but now it’s clear they are split down the middle over the issue.”

He called on Labour to “accept the inevitable” and scrap the ID scheme right away.

Grayling warns Government has "too many powers to snoop on innocent people"

Chris Grayling has welcomed Labour's decision to cancel the proposed single database holding information from e-mails, phone calls and internet use, but warned that the Government still has "too many powers to snoop on innocent people".

The Shadow Home Secretary said, ""It is good that the Home Secretary appears to have listened to Conservative warnings about big brother databases."

And he stressed, "Now that she has finally admitted that the public don't want their details held by the State in one place, perhaps she will look at other areas in which the Government is trying to do precisely that."

Chris attacked Labour for creating "a culture of surveillance which goes far beyond counter terrorism and serious crime" - and warned:

"Too many parts of Government have too many powers to snoop on innocent people and that's really got to change."

(Home Office) Government launches consultation on communications data and rules out single store

New measures to maintain the capability of public authorities to obtain access to communications data were announced by the Home Secretary today. The existing capability is declining in the face of rapid technological changes in the communications industry.

Publishing the consultation - 'Protecting the public in a changing communications environment' - the government explicitly rules out setting up a single store of all communications data.

Communications data is the "who, when, where and how" information from mobile phone calls, texts, emails and instant messages, but is not the content. The use of communication data is an important capability that is used by the police and other agencies here and around the world to protect the public and fight crime.

It can be used to prevent terrorism and serious crime, as well as to provide vital evidence at trial. It played an essential part in solving the cases and bringing to justice:
* The bomber who survived his attack on Glasgow Airport and who was also responsible for the attempted bombing of Haymarket;
* Ian Huntley, following the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman;
* A gang responsible for the kidnap of Seven Chinese nationals smuggled into the UK;
* Philip Thompson, the 'librarian' who ran an international paedophile website; and
* Sean Mercer, following the murder of schoolboy Rhys Jones.

The consultation outlines ways to collect and retain communications data and seeks views on how to strike the right balance between privacy and security. The system the government is proposing is based on the current model where Communications Service Providers (CSPs) collect and store the data and where we have strict and effective safeguards in place to regulate access by public authorities.

The Government proposes:
* Legislating to allow all data that public authorities might need, including third party data (data generated by communications services based overseas but crossing the networks in the UK) to be collected and retained by CSPs; and
* Having CSPs process the data to enable specific requests by public authorities - such as the police and Security Service - to be processed quickly and comprehensively.

Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary said:

"My key priority is to protect the citizens of the UK and communications data is an essential tool for law enforcement agencies to track murderers and paedophiles, save lives and tackle crime.

"Advances in communications mean that there are ever more sophisticated ways to communicate and we need to ensure that we keep up with the technology being used by those who would seek to do us harm.

"It is essential that the police and other crime fighting agencies have the tools they need to do their job. However, to be clear there are absolutely no plans for a single central store.

"We recognise that there is a delicate balance between privacy and security, but to do nothing is not an option as we would be failing in our duty to protect the public."

Temporary Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service Janet Williams, said:

"I can't stress enough how integral to our investigations communications data is. Traditionally the types of data available for analysis were relatively limited but with the communication revolution creating multiple new formats the challenge for us is that current legislation hasn't kept pace.

"Its continued availability is essential for us to ensure that criminals are not able to gain the advantage. It allows us to save lives, establish how co-conspirators are linked and develop leads. From both an investigative and prosecution perspective it is crucial in helping us get to the truth. Without it I believe it would seriously impede our ability to successfully investigate a range of crimes and keep the public safe."
Sir Stephen Lander, Chair of the Serious Organised Crime Agency, said:

"Communications data and intercept intelligence are essential tools in 95 per cent of the most serious crime investigations in the UK.

"Any significant reduction in the capability of law enforcement agencies to obtain and use this information would lead to more unsolved murders, more firearms on our streets, more successful robberies, more unresolved kidnaps, more harm from the use of Class A drugs, more illegal immigration and more unsolved serious crime overall."

Keep Jacqui the Goon for comedy's sake

I don't know if I'll ever forgive myself for saying this but I'm not convinced that it is time for Jacqui Smith to go. The Home secretary has jumped from the frying pan into the fire, then into the saucepan, the grill, the barbecue, steamer, broiler, fondue, kettle, deep fat fryer, cauldron, griddle, toasted cheese and ham sandwich maker, the slow cooker and the George Foreman. Wow! what a lot of junk I've got to cook stuff in that I never use.

Anyway I have been hypothesising about what would happen if she were to be sacked or if she resigned. Firstly I would have less to get angry about and subsequently write about. She is a one woman disaster and from my point of view is a dream come true because she provides me with gaff after gaff with which to criticise the current mess that is our government.

The difference between Smith and other cabinet ministers is that she gets caught. She gets caught because not only is she ignorant of the rules, but by now she has to be convinced that they don't even apply to her anyway. If she goes then the potential is that the gaffometer will go back down to an almost respectable level as her sneakier colleagues actually play politics and people might start to think that the government is OK!

We cannot afford (literally) for this to happen. If Labour win another term in office then we're done for and I'm off to Zimbabwe for a more stable economy and I'm taking my cooking implements and appliances with me. However if she stays then she will continue to show up this government for what it really is...a joke. Politically, it will probably serve the PM and others quite well to keep her too. After all if you have made mistakes or want to do something without being seen because it will be unpopular, illegal or immoral it is always handy to have a clown running about to divert attention. I'm sure that there are those in power who are delusional enough still to presume that they can win another term so for them she has to be pure gold.

The last thing I want to say is that I actually enjoy having her where she is. When all the rage and anger subsides, she's actually seems to be quite a funny and light hearted character. Granted, she's helped to spend our money on nothing but her own gain and most of her policies would have been lauded by the Nazi party in Germany circa 1930s but she doesn't smile like a vampire and she is the kind of person who provides a bit of light hearted humour in an otherwise grey world. She's the character who's bra flings off in true Carry On/Barbara Windsor style when she walks into Westminster or slips on banana skins left by the opposition. So if she does go I find myself in the compromising position of saying that she will be sorely....

(Comm On Standards In Public Life) Committee on Standards in Public Life - Inquiry into MPs' expenses

The Committee on Standards in Public Life will launch its inquiry into MPs' expenses on Thursday 23rd April.

The Committee will be publishing an Issues and Questions paper which will outline the scope of the inquiry and call for written evidence from all interested parties and the general public.

The inquiry into MPs' expenses, which was due to begin later in the year, was brought forward by the Committee in response to building concern about this issue. As well as receiving written evidence, the Committee will be holding a series of public hearings in June and July at which relevant witnesses will give oral evidence on this issue. The Committee intends to produce its recommendations for reform by the end of the year.

You are invited to attend a press conference at 10.00am on Thursday 23rd April in the Harvey Goodwin Suite, Church House, Dean's Yard, Westminster SW1P 3NZ.