Widdecombe: We will set the public services free

Speaking at a Conservative Party pre-election rally on the South Bank today, the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, Shadow Home Secretary, said:

"My political roots lie in the Sixties, at a time when rules and values were often seen as not only being irrelevant but positively dangerous. If you were young ...

Widdecombe: Together we can win war against crime

In a speech to the Association of Chief Police Officers in Birmingham, the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, Shadow Home Secretary:

"I would like to begin by reiterating the tribute that I paid at the Police Federation Conference last week to all those officers who took part in the successful operation ...

Widdecombe: Time for common sense on crime

In a speech to the Police Federation annual conference in Blackpool today, the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, Shadow Home Secretary:

"Fred, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for inviting me here today. And let me say what a pleasure it is to be here. I am sure many of you remember ...

Widdecombe: Spring Forum Speech 2001

Labour have failed to Deliver on Law and Order

Tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime. We all remember what Labour promised in 1997.

"Four years on, they have failed to deliver. Instead, they've been tough on the crimefighters. There are 2,500 fewer police since 1997 ...

Widdecombe: Labour has failed on crime

Labour's came to power promising to be 'tough on crime'. But in Government Tony Blair and Jack Straw have failed to deliver. Last week we saw Britain topping the premier league of crime. Even Jack Straw's special adviser admits that Labour are soft on crime.

"To prove their ...

Widdecombe: Police will police

Police officers tell me that they cannot do their job effectively. They joined the police to fight crime and catch criminals - and that is what the public want them to do. Instead, they spend hour upon hour filling in forms - and judging from letters to Police Review and surveys of ...

Widdecombe: Party Conference Speech 2000

My birthday only comes once a year. And what a great Party!

But Jack Straw gives the criminals a party every day while victims wait outside in the cold.

His greetings telegram to the criminal is: 'don't worry, there are nearly 3,000 fewer police to catch you, and ...