The July meeting of the Trades Council was pleased to welcome author and journalist Paul Richards to talk about the forthcoming Police Commissioner elections.
Paul was a special adviser to the last Government on Communities; and was an unsuccessful candidate for Labour’s nomination for the Sussex election. However, as a committed trade unionists, and a Unite and NUJ member, we thought Paul would be ideal to talk to us about the role of the commissioners !
Trade Unionists should consider the fact that the elected commissioner will set the budget headings for Sussex Police and its strategic priorities.
Paul highlighted the different attitudes likely to be taken by candidates on issues such as community policing, hate crime (especially race and LGBT) and protecting both uniformed and support staff jobs from cuts and privatisation.
The commissioner will also have control over the budget allocated for Victim Support work, and we should ask serious questions about how this will be allocated.
Paul spoke of the likelihood that the racist BNP will target this election, and that racist and fascist parties tend to do well when there is apathy and a low turnout- which is why it is vital that all trade unionists vote and encourage their workmates to turn out and have their say.
Eastbourne TUC, like all trades councils and the national TUC, is party-politically independent and does not endorse any individual party or candidate. We urge all local trade unionists to read all of the material, follow all of the campaigns and weigh up the issues for themselves- then make sure you turn out to vote- and encourage others to do the same !
THE POLICE COMMISSIONER ELECTIONS WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY 15TH NOVEMBER.
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