SHADOW HOME SECRETARY GOES ON THE BEAT IN CARDIFF

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 30th Nov 2006

Jenny Randerson Am, Jenny Willott MP and Nick Clegg MP with Cardiff police

Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat shadow home secretary visited Cardiff today to go on the beat with local police and also to meet representatives form the Welsh Refugees Council.

Nick Clegg MP was joined by local Welsh Assembly Member, Jenny Randerson and local MP, Jenny Willott, who together with local police gave him an insight into the sorts of issues facing police in Cardiff.

Jenny Randerson AM commented, "It was great to bring a politician as experienced as Nick to meet police in Cardiff and to see what sort of issues they have to tackle. Whilst the Labour Government talks a lot about fighting organised crime and terrorism, it's our hard working local police that keep our cities safe and keep the peace."

"Our police do a great job, but many people are worried that there will have to be cuts in police to make up for the £400,000 wasted by the South Wales Police authority preparing for the police mergers. The Labour Government has promised to repay £100,000, but that still leaves the South Wales Police Force with over £300,000 which could have been spent on police."

Notes

• Nick Clegg is the MP for Sheffield Hallam and the Liberal Democrat shadow home secretary

• As well as meeting local police, Nick Clegg MP, Jenny Willott MP and Jenny Randerson AM met with the Wales Refugee Council to discuss their concerns about Britain's treatment of refugees.