Corby MP urges members to back policing bill

An MP has urged fellow members to support a new policing bill, arguing that stronger law enforcement was essential to restoring public confidence and safety.

During the second reading of the Crime and Policing Bill, the Labour MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, Lee Barron, outlined the need to rebuild the "profile, perception and presence" of policing in his county.

In February, he wrote to Northamptonshire's police chief calling for a fully operational police station in his constituency town to be reinstated.

Barron told the House of Commons: "I'm not only urging members to back this bill, I'm leading the campaign to bring back a police station and a dedicated response unit to Corby.

"The government has made sure the money is there to use, and there is consensus in the constituency for its need."

The Crime and Policing Bill was unveiled in Parliament in February and is said to pull together measures set out in Labour's general election manifesto.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told the BBC the bill would address an "epidemic of street theft", including a rise in phone and bag snatching and shoplifting, and a "Respect Order" similar to Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (Asbos) would be introduced.

Under the bill, police would have the power to enter and search a property without a court warrant for items such as a stolen mobile phone or items that can be electronically tracked.

However, the Conservatives said the plans had been "copied and pasted from the last government's announcements".

In Corby, police officers moved out of their Elizabeth Street station in 2017 and relocated to a hub at Corby Cube.

Mr Barron said this move led to a decline in police visibility and a weakening of public trust, and stressed that restoring a local station was crucial in ensuring communities felt safe again.

The MP said 13,000 additional neighbourhood officers were set to be recruited nationwide, as part of the government's plans.

Additionally, Northamptonshire's police funding will increase by more than £11m in 2025-26, bringing the total budget to £193m.

Mr Barron added: "What this bill does is it toughens up policing, so crime has real consequences again.

"This bill is a key part of delivering this government's safer streets mission… now it's time for us to deliver."

A spokesperson at Northamptonshire's police, fire and crime commissioner's office said they expected to review the plans for a new police station in Corby and consider the next steps by the end of March.

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