Margot James questions the Government on CCTV
28th June 2010
Margot James MP sparked a debate on the use of CCTV Cameras yesterday during Home Office Questions in Parliament. Margot sought an assurance from the Minister that the further regulation of CCTV cameras would not deter their proper use in the battle against crime and anti-social behaviour.
Margot stated that there were better funded projects such as ‘Safer Leeds’ where CCTV has played an important role in the apprehension and prosecution of offenders. She was joined by other MPs who also voiced their support for the importance of CCTV in the fight against crime.
The minister, James Brokenshire MP, stated that it was government policy to develop a regulatory framework for the future use of CCTV. But he did concede that decisions about the use of CCTV will be determined by local communities.
Margot said “Properly monitored cameras assigned to crime hotspots with good quality resolution are a positive aid to Police in identifying and prosecuting criminals. I am pleased to hear that decisions are to be left to local people and that any future regulatory regime will not act as a deterrent. I shall keep a watchful eye on the development of these new regulations so as to hold the government to account on this issue.”
FULL TEXT:
Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): What plans she has for the future regulation of CCTV cameras. [4231]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (James Brokenshire): In our coalition programme for government, as part of our work on safeguarding civil liberties we have stated that we will further regulate CCTV. We will introduce detailed proposals in due course.
Margot James: I thank my hon. Friend for his answer. Although there has been criticism that some CCTV has been used randomly and not always effectively, is he aware of the Safer Leeds project, in which CCTV has played an important role in the apprehension and prosecution of offenders? Can he give an assurance that future regulation will not deter the proper use of CCTV that my constituents in Stourbridge feel is essential in the battle against crime?
James Brokenshire: As the Prime Minister made clear in the House on 9 June, we support CCTV cameras. When used properly, they can be a significant asset in the prevention and detection of crime, but any such use involves a need to ensure that civil liberties are properly protected. The use of CCTV has increased in the absence of a specific regulatory framework. For reasons of proportionality and retaining public confidence, it is important that there is appropriate regulation, and it is interesting to note that the previous Administration recognised that when they appointed the interim CCTV regulator.
