Author: Martin

As a local councillor in Norwich and the deputy leader of the largest group of Green councillors in the UK, I constantly engage with residents and understand what it means to be accountable to the public. As Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk, I would act as an efficient conduit between local residents and the constabulary, and would seek to involve communities more in decision-making.

I have lived in Norfolk since 1994 and have a good understanding of the issues facing the county. I oppose government austerity and cuts to police services; however, I would work hard within existing budget constraints to protect the services that most directly affect communities. I would work to introduce a “late night levy” for licensed premises to fund the additional policing required in areas such as Prince of Wales Road in Norwich. Continue reading Why I want to become Norfolk’s next PCC

I am only one of seven Green Party Police and Crime Commissioner candidates at the next set of elections in May and I think it is vital that the Green Party did have some presence in these elections, not only because it ensures that Green members/ supporters can vote for a party they believe in, but mainly as it allows the Green Party to promote its progressive vision on issues, such as crime and justice.

If the Green Party were not to have stood across the UK, the party would have been denied any voice in these debates and here in Norfolk (a traditionally very conservative county), the debate would likely focus on quite reactionary policies and proposals. Instead, I am able to promote views about greater transparency in the police force, tackling issues surrounding the late night economy zone, prioritising unreported or under-reported crimes, such as domestic violence and rural thefts, dealing with mental health related issues and a host of other policies. Continue reading Why it was important the Green Party stood at this election

Not really to do with policing, crime or justice, but still an important issue:

My reaction to the decision of some local councils to charge runners in parks…

“I was appalled at the suggestion that local authorities might charge runners for using paths in parks for their runs. This activity is good for public health and should be encouraged by councils, rather than hindered, even though local authorities are struggling financially, given the scale of the spending cuts implemented by the national government. Continue reading Park runs should remain free!

I was deeply concerned by the BBC’s recent finding that cases of UK police officers and staff taking long-term sick leave for psychological reasons had risen by 35% over the last five years.

Despite the fact that police numbers have fallen, the number of days taken off has risen drastically. Currently there are 6,129 incidences of officers being put on sick leave for psychological reasons whereas 5 years ago the figure was just over 4,500. There was also reportedly a steady increase in overall long-term sick leave.  Continue reading Tackling stress among police officers

Thank you for visiting my website. I’ll be keeping this up-to-date with all the latest news about my campaign to be Norfolk’s new Police and Crime Commissioner, so please check back again soon.