The Labour leader, Keir Starmer, and Shadow Policing Minister, Sarah Jones, visited Bedford last week to speak to businesses and residents about the impact of local and organised crime.
They were accompanied by Bedford and Kempston MP, Mohammad Yasin and David Michael MBE, who is standing in the Police and Crime Commissioner elections on 6 May.
Mr Michael, who will be sharing a stage with the three other PCC candidates to be grilled by the public at a husting this Friday, said that there needed to be a focus on community policing.
“If elected as Police and Crime Commissioner, I am committed to doing all I can to put more officers back out on the street where they are needed most,” he said.
As part of the visit, Sir Keir chatted with local business owners, taxi drivers and Lina Ognissanti, who runs the Dinky Donuts stall on Midland Road.
Commenting on the visit, Mr Yasin said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Keir and Sarah to Bedford in support of David.
“I have raised the real impact of crime on businesses and residents with Bedfordshire Police on numerous occasions.
“But the truth is that this Government has not given our force the resources they need to tackle crime effectively. We need a professional to work with our Police, and with over 30 years of policing experience and as a former Detective Chief Inspector, David Michael is clearly the right choice on the 6 May.”
Husting: Policing in the current climate
A husting, hosted by Queens Park Community Organisation, has been rescheduled to take place on Friday 19 April at 5pm.
The original event, due to be held on Friday 9 April, was postponed as a mark of respect following the announcement of the death of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
The event will be the first chance that all four candidates will have to listen to the concerns of Bedfordians and answer their questions on crime and policing.
The theme of the event is ‘policing in the current climate’, particularly in light of the new Police and Crime bill and the policing of protests.
Marie-Ange Comerford-Raillon, secretary of QPCO, said: “We have organised this husting to give a voice to our community, in particular to those who may not otherwise be heard.
“The coronavirus pandemic has limited access to the candidates and we think it’s important for everyone to have a chance to understand who they are voting for.
“The police play a vital role in all our lives and ensuring all communities have confidence in their ability to keep us safe is crucial.
“Our organisation supports many people within the BAME community, as well as women – many of whom are vulnerable.
“It’s understandable that recent headlines may have shaken the public’s faith in the force. We want this husting to be a chance for candidates to be quizzed on their own approach and to set out their own values and vision.”
The Bedford Independent will be live streaming the event on our Facebook page.
If you would like to ask the candidates a question at the event, please email qpco.bedford@gmail.com.
