Government must step up fight against organised crime

9/1/08

Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Scottish Government to build on the progress made by the previous Executive in tackling organised crime. Speaking in a debate in Parliament today, the Edinburgh West MSP praised the work of the Police and national enforcement agencies in fighting serious crime and urged the Scottish Government to ensure continued success in this area by providing sufficient resources. 

Commenting after the debate, Ms Smith said:

“The activities of serious criminals have wide-ranging and devastating impacts on communities and businesses across Scotland. Although a great deal of progress was made by the previous administration, it is vital that the current Government continues the fight against organised crime in all its forms.

“It is clear that serious organised crime must be tackled aggressively to end the misery it causes to people across Scotland, and I welcome the Scottish Government’s approach as outlined by the Justice Minister today. However, we cannot win the fight against organised crime without sufficient Police resources on the ground and that is why it is vital that the SNP Government delivers the 1000 extra Police promised in their manifesto.

“While the specialist agencies are doing an undeniably vital job, Police forces across Scotland also have a crucial role to play, and I was pleased to see that a majority of MSPs today supported my call for the SNP to deliver this key election promise.”