• Question by: Geoff Pope
• Meeting date: 08 November 2006

Given the stonewalling, would you support the creation of a cross-party delegation, including the Mayor, to take this issue forward to lobby the Government and to generally raise awareness of the issue in relation to London and Londoners?

• Question by: Geoff Pope
• Meeting date: 08 November 2006

The main thrust of the question is about the Government recognising the unique need to protect its capital city from terrorist and major incidence attacks. Is there any sign at all that there is any recognition?

• Question by: Joanne McCartney
• Meeting date: 08 November 2006

One of the things about these big old iconic police stations is that they are permanent. I think people are concerned that if a police station is not fit for purpose there is that worry then we will just put it in places temporarily. Can we have an assurance that if any station is decommissioned that services will be provided in a local area so that people will be able to report crimes locally?

• Question by: Joanne McCartney
• Meeting date: 08 November 2006

The base in Enfield is very welcome, I know that. We have the estate strategy, and we then have the Safer Neighbourhood offices opening up, and there seems to be two strategies running alongside. I want to check that they are coordinated, so that when you are leases you are looking at that wide strategy at the same time as well?

• Question by: Jenny Jones
• Meeting date: 08 November 2006

I was delighted to hear you talk about how important consultation is and, as you know, it has been suggested that the Camberwell Green Police Station, Southwark might close less than two years after it has reopened. Are you saying if enough people in Southwark beg you to keep that police station open, that is what you would do? What does consultation mean to you?

• Question by: Brian Coleman
• Meeting date: 08 November 2006

Sir Ken Knight made the same joke. That is why you did not get a laugh, because we have heard the joke once this morning so I am sorry you did not get a laugh.

• Question by: Jenny Jones
• Meeting date: 08 November 2006

Well, what would stop you closing any police station?

• Question by: Jenny Jones
• Meeting date: 08 November 2006

If you are going to consult people, what would stop you closing a police station that was earmarked for closure?

• Question by: Graham Tope
• Meeting date: 08 November 2006

The Police and Justice Bill - or Act as it very nearly is - will require every local authority to set up a Community Safety Scrutiny Committee which again will add to the complexities of the local arrangements we are discussing. How do you envisage that fitting in with the arrangements? How will it relate to the police consultative groups for instance?

• Question by: Graham Tope
• Meeting date: 08 November 2006

I wholly agree that this is best served to get sorted out pragmatically and at borough level, but can I suggest that it might be helpful, if it is not already happening, for the MPA to take the lead in discussion with what used to be the ALG, London Councils, as I think it is now, to try and start some thinking about how to rationalise what is becoming an increasingly complex consultative structure with often the same people going to lots of meetings saying exactly the same thing.