Latest News

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!

Green Party PCC candidate has indicated that he will prioritise dealing with large criminal gangs that supply drugs rather than focusing on low level users of class-C drugs if he wins the Police and Crime Commissioner election on May 5th.

His statement follows a recent survey, which showed that there was considerable support for legalising the sale of cannabis through licensed shops. In the poll of 2,000 adults, conducted by ORB for The Independent, some 47% of people backed the idea, while 39% opposed it, with the other 14% saying they “don’t knows”. Continue reading Tackle Drug Gangs not Drug Users says Green Party PCC candidate

One of Martin’s key policies, if elected, would be to introduce a “late night levy”, which allows local areas to charge businesses that supply alcohol late into the night for the extra enforcement costs that the night-time economy generates for police and licensing authorities.

At the moment, we only have estimates about how much this could raise in Norfolk, but it seems clear that £100,000s could be generated by implementing this measure, given what has happened in other areas where such a levy has been introduced. Continue reading How much could be raised by introducing a Late Night Levy?

The Green Party’s Police and Crime Commissioner candidate, Martin Schmierer, has called on local councils to introduce a “Late Night Levy” across Norfolk.

It has been estimated that £100,000s could be raised in this way, which would be split between the Norfolk Constabulary and the local councils. Continue reading Greens call for Late Night Levy introduction