01 March 2007

Co-operation the Key to Security - Involve, not devolve

Former Welsh Secretary and Intelligence and Security Committee Chair Paul Murphy has today called for greater co-operation on Security issues affecting Wales.

Speaking in the House of Commons, the Torfaen MP said: “We have made great strides in improving community policing in the last decade. In Gwent alone, we have 224 more police officers, working hard to make our communities safer places. However, there is another important role for policing in Wales. We must recognise the threat that faces us in Wales from terrorism and make sure the relevant bodies are working together to face that challenge.

“The Head of MI5 has recently said that there are 200 groups – 1600 individuals – actively plotting to commit terrorist acts in the UK. Welsh Police forces deserve credit for playing their part in combating terrorism. However, these efforts would be improved by stronger Special Branches and increased levels of co-operation, between forces and across the border into England.”

Speaking of calls for policing and justice matters to be devolved to the National Assembly for Wales, Paul Murphy said: “I would say that the Intelligence and Security Services and Home Office can play a part in efforts, by looking at how best to involve the Assembly in security matters. However, I would say the key would be to involve, not devolve.

“It is vital that arrangements facilitate the maximum level of co-operation between Wales and the UK Government – our efforts to combat crime and terrorism need to work fluidly across borders. Social Justice Minister Edwina Hart already does a good job of working with the Home Office on policing matters. Perhaps a working party should be established to strengthen these channels of co-operation and look at how best we can work together in the future.”

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