MP takes action on safer streets pledge

Keir Mather, Member of Parliament for Selby and Kippax, has held a week of focus on ‘Crime and Policing’ - a series of events and meetings focused on local issues of crime and justice. The week included a tour of York Crown Court, joining North Yorkshire Police on a patrol of Selby and looking at the gaps in youth provision locally.

Commenting on the week, Keir Mather said “Listening to local people, it is clear that further action needs to be taken on antisocial behaviour. It has a serious impact on people and it is shameful that the previous government wrote off these crimes as ‘low level’ and left communities here to deal with the consequences alone.”

“I am pleased that this Labour government is taking decisive action to tackle issues in our local communities. Through my role in Parliament, I’ve worked on the Crime and Policing Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament. This legislation is the biggest package of measures on crime for a generation, with 50 new laws to tackle antisocial behaviour and make our streets safer.”

“One of the top issues which has been raised with me over the week - and during my time as MP - is the chaos caused to communities by off-road bikes. I am pleased that new legislation will clamp down on this destructive and dangerous criminal activity, with new powers for our police allowing them to seize and crush off-road bikes.”

Keir continued “I held this week of action to reaffirm my commitment to fight to make our streets safer, I will always fight for Selby and Kippax’s fair share of resources and ensure that our communities are at the centre of plans for change and reform.”

“There’s lots still to do but it’s welcome news that an additional £2 million investment from the government will mean 32 new police constables and 20 new PCSOs on the beat in our area.”