Police U-turn shows government policy being made on the hoof

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 15th Jul 2008

Commenting on reports that the Government is redrafting its police reform green paper to remove targets, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"After the U-turn on shock tactics for young offenders, this is another example of government policy being made on the hoof. What we need is plans that are proven to cut crime, like more police on the beat.

"Central targets are often a waste of time because they don't take account of local needs.

"Police forces must be given the freedom to follow the priorities of the communities they serve."