Labour's snub to Capital of Culture

The Labour Government have said no to the Chief Constable's  request for funding to cover the cost of 200 extra police needed to help deal with the millions of extra visitors to Liverpool in 2008. 

Millions of visitors will come to our city to celebrate with us, giving Liverpool a massive economic boost. Large crowds need proper policing, to prevent opportunistic crime, and in these days, sadly, to protect against terrorism.

Find out more and sign our petition here 

Lib Dem Campaign - a fair deal for our police

Liberal Democrat Councillors have slammed the Labour Government for refusing to contribute to the cost of policing Liverpool's Capital of Culture celebrations in 2008.

Liverpool's Lib Dem Council and the Labour led Merseyside Police Authority asked Government Ministers for £9.3 million to cover the cost of 200 extra police the Chief Constable says he needs to help deal with the millions of extra visitors to Liverpool in 2008. 

Lib Dem Councillor Colin Eldridge, a member of the Police Authority said, "The Capital of Culture Celebrations are the only major international event in the Country in 2008 and the eyes of the world will be on Liverpool.

Millions of visitors will come to our city to celebrate with us, giving Liverpool a massive economic boost. Large crowds need proper policing, to prevent opportunistic crime, and in these days, sadly, to protect against terrorism.

"It will cost £850million to police the London Olympics in 2012, we are only asking for around 1% of that figure."

Lib Dem Council leader Warren Bradley said: “We have events security, but public safety can only be done by the police. I would love to know how much government money Manchester received for policing the two-week Commonwealth Games."

The Labour Chairman of the Police Authority, Councillor Bill Weightman, told the Liverpool Echo: “Over the past two years, we have cut £12.5m from our budget just to sit still. To suggest we can find £9.3m from nowhere is totally ludicrous. I am concerned that if we do not get this extra money, it will affect Capital of Culture."

As The Liverpool Echo said in their editorial of November 22nd:
“No expense will be spared bankrolling and protecting the London Olympics, the anticipated costs of which have already soared irresponsibly. Liverpool is not asking the government for more on whim of out of jealousy: Only for what is necessary and fair”

 If you support our campaign to force the Labour Government to give a fair deal to Liverpool and our police force, please sign our petition here.