Andrew Snowden, MP for Fylde and former Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, has uncovered that Labour’s proposed anti-social behaviour 'zero tolerance' zones are “the policy equivalent of a chocolate fireguard.”
In a parliamentary exchange with the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, Andrew highlighted the fundamental flaws in Labour’s approach, particularly regarding the ineffectiveness of banning orders and voluntary engagement programmes for persistent young offenders.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Andrew said:
"Without restricting freedoms, banning orders do not work and engagement with youth offending teams does not work, because they are all voluntary. What measures do the Government intend to bring in as part of their new zero tolerance zones that will be different from what currently exists, to make it really zero tolerance?”
The Home Secretary’s response? Exactly what has already been proven not to work – introducing “respect orders” that supposedly ban repeat offenders from town centres and attach a power of arrest.
Andrew continued:
“It’s disappointing but unsurprising to see Labour failing to grasp the seriousness of anti-social behaviour and offering nothing but repackaged versions of policies that are already failing communities.
“Respect orders and banning zones are just new names for old problems. We need real solutions, not half-baked policies that do nothing to tackle the root causes of crime or provide meaningful consequences for persistent offenders.
"As someone who has worked closely with law enforcement on initiatives like Operation Centurion, I know that visible patrols, tougher enforcement, and genuine partnership working deliver results. Fylde residents, like many across the UK, deserve policies that prioritise their safety and address anti-social behaviour head-on, not empty soundbites."
Andrew has pledged to continue holding Labour to account on behalf of his constituents and to advocate for practical, effective measures to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
