Comments on: Bichard Report/Humberside Police http://downingstreetsays.com/briefings/2004/06/28/692 Every day the Prime Minister's Spokesman meets a small coterie of political journalists known as 'the lobby' for a topical chat, or 'briefing'. Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:40:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.2 By: PapaLazzzaru http://downingstreetsays.com/briefings/2004/06/28/692#comment-1171 PapaLazzzaru Wed, 30 Jun 2004 12:15:36 +0000 http://downingstreetsays.com/briefings/2004/06/28/692#comment-1171 "If any politician had the same level of criticism then they would have to stand down". I seem to recall Beverley Hughes & David Blunkett getting it in the neck good-style over flaws in the visa system, but it was only when Hughes was found out to have lied that she stepped down. I dispute that politicians will step down if directly criticised; I believe in the vast majority of cases politicians will refuse to move until they are forced. "If any politician had the same level of criticism then they would have to stand down". I seem to recall Beverley Hughes & David Blunkett getting it in the neck good-style over flaws in the visa system, but it was only when Hughes was found out to have lied that she stepped down. I dispute that politicians will step down if directly criticised; I believe in the vast majority of cases politicians will refuse to move until they are forced.

]]> By: Chris Lightfoot http://downingstreetsays.com/briefings/2004/06/28/692#comment-1166 Chris Lightfoot Tue, 29 Jun 2004 19:24:45 +0000 http://downingstreetsays.com/briefings/2004/06/28/692#comment-1166 The Report of the Bichard Inquiry can be found at, <a href="http://www.bichardinquiry.org.uk/10663/html/titlepage_copyright.htm">http://www.bichardinquiry.org.uk/10663/html/titlepage_copyright.htm</a> His summary conclusion on Humberside Police: "48. I must therefore conclude that there were very serious failings in the senior management at Humberside Police." The relevant criticism of the Home Office was much woollier: "52. The Home Office should take the lead more effectively than it has during the past decade, to deliver these priorities. Ultimately, they should be priorities for the government as a whole and not just one department." I think this is definitely a case of "thank goodness only one of them can win". Westwood's behaviour -- trying to hide behind the Data Protection Act to justify his force's errors -- was pretty odious; but the notion of the Home Office trying to control management of local police forces is bad news too. The Report of the Bichard Inquiry can be found at,
<a href="http://www.bichardinquiry.org.uk/10663/html/titlepage_copyright.htm">http://www.bichardinquiry.org.uk/10663/html/titlepage_copyright.htm</a>

His summary conclusion on Humberside Police:
"48. I must therefore conclude that there were very serious failings in the senior management at Humberside Police."

The relevant criticism of the Home Office was much woollier:
"52. The Home Office should take the lead more effectively than it has during the past decade, to deliver these priorities. Ultimately, they should be priorities for the government as a whole and not just one department."

I think this is definitely a case of "thank goodness only one of them can win". Westwood’s behaviour — trying to hide behind the Data Protection Act to justify his force’s errors — was pretty odious; but the notion of the Home Office trying to control management of local police forces is bad news too.

]]> By: David Boothroyd http://downingstreetsays.com/briefings/2004/06/28/692#comment-1165 David Boothroyd Tue, 29 Jun 2004 16:53:09 +0000 http://downingstreetsays.com/briefings/2004/06/28/692#comment-1165 The reason for Mr Westwood having to stand down is the explicit personal criticism of him in the Bichard Report (read it and you'll see). If any politician had the same level of criticism then they would have to stand down. The reason for Mr Westwood having to stand down is the explicit personal criticism of him in the Bichard Report (read it and you’ll see). If any politician had the same level of criticism then they would have to stand down.

]]> By: Tony http://downingstreetsays.com/briefings/2004/06/28/692#comment-1162 Tony Tue, 29 Jun 2004 00:05:44 +0000 http://downingstreetsays.com/briefings/2004/06/28/692#comment-1162 I heard it was the case that, 'as the person in charge, he was ultimately responsible for everything that happened ie. the buck stops here' If the Government feels that is the case, how come the same doesnt apply to MP's and Tony Blair himself ! Surely this isnt just designed to deflect any bad press towards the government and provide a handy scapegoat........ I heard it was the case that, ‘as the person in charge, he was ultimately responsible for everything that happened ie. the buck stops here’ If the Government feels that is the case, how come the same doesnt apply to MP’s and Tony Blair himself ! Surely this isnt just designed to deflect any bad press towards the government and provide a handy scapegoat……..

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