Criminal justice system at a turning point - Clegg

5.18.12pm GMT Mon 5th Mar 2007

day the Liberal Democrats passed measures at their spring conference to reduce crime, increase conviction rates and cut reoffending.

The proposals include:

· Scrapping ID Cards and spending the money on front line police

· Giving councils the powers to close problem pubs and clubs

· Making sentencing more honest and cutting automatic early release

· Compulsory work and training in prison to cut reoffending and better compensate victims of crime

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Nick Clegg MP said:

"I am delighted that Conference has endorsed this policy paper and adopted a clear strategy for cutting crime.

"The debate on Britain's criminal justice system is now at a turning point. The Government's decade-long record of populism and legislative hyperactivity has made Britain less safe and more anxious.

"This package of measures demonstrates that a liberal approach to crime is not only more principled but also able to deliver greater public safety by reducing levels of repeat crime, restoring honesty to sentencing and providing visible policing on our streets."

Applicability: this item refers to England and Wales. Due to devolution, detailed policy may be different in other areas of the UK.