Suffolk PCC backs Rishi Sunak's anti-social behaviour plans

On Monday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged trials of swifter justice measures and increased policing in areas of England and Wales deemed to have high amounts of low-level crime.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak announced the plans while on a visit to Essex on Monday. Credit: PA (Image: PA)

The plan, which was announced by the PM during a visit to Essex, also includes a ban on the sale of laughing gas, against the advice of official government advisers.

"I welcome any initiative that will help tackle anti-social behaviour," said Suffolk PCC Tim Passmore. 

"Littering, fly-tipping and graffiti are an annoyance to both our county's businesses and our residents.

"Suffolk is a lovely county and is one that is very rural. 

"I have seen terrible fly-tipping recently that spoils our countryside.

Police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

"We need to find ways of dealing with this and catching those responsible.

"This will require a multi-agency approach but I will do all I can to tackle anti-social behaviour."

The crackdown measures from Number 10 have faced criticism from members of the opposition, with the Labour Party accusing the prime minister of rehashing old ideas. 

Labour councillor Alasdair Ross, who is also Ipswich Borough Council's portfolio holder for community protection and health, said the plans were a "redressing of previous proposals". 

"We welcome some of it," he added. 

Labour cllr Alasdair Ross described the proposals as a rehashing of old ideas. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"But a lot of the proposals are a reaction to some solid policies put forward by the Labour Party.

"It feels like they're gripping at straws.

"At the end of the day, they can announce all the new police they want but all they're doing is replacing those we've lost since David Cameron was in power.

"So some of it looks good, but most of it is just a rehasing of old ideas."