Taking it to the top

4.53.21pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 28th Feb 2007

Stunell takes 5,000 strong Police Petition to the Prime Minister

Tomorrow at midday, Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell will join Greater Manchester's Lib Dem Parliamentary Team to present a 5,000 strong petition to 10 Downing Street, protesting at the cut of 216 Police Officers in Greater Manchester.

Commenting ahead of the presentation, Mr Stunell said:

"This petition will show Tony Blair the strength of support from people all over Greater Manchester for reinstating the 216 Greater Manchester police officers that were cut this year.

"The Chief Constable told me that to make progress in his fight against crime he needs a bare minimum of 8,000 police officers and these cuts have now taken Greater Manchester Police below this threshold. We are backing the Chief Constable in his call for extra officers with this petition.

"Living in a secure, safe community is vital to everyone. With crime rates rising, we need more bobbies on the beat, not less."

Mr Stunell is also conducting a crime survey to investigate local people's experiences of crime. ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. For an interview with Mr Stunell or for photos of the event, please contact Jane Allen on 0207 2195223 or 07779 595609.

2. Mr Stunell will present the petition at 12.00 on 1st March alongside:

Cllr Margaret McLay, Stockport Lib Dem Councillor

Mark Hunter, MP for Cheadle

John Leech, MP for Manchester Withington

Paul Rowen, MP for Rochdale

Alison Smith, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Oldham East and Saddleworth