National Policy Forum - Your Southeast CLP representatives

Crime, Justice, Citizenship and Equalities Work programme 2007

January 2007
Cabinet working groups - Ministers to report to the commission on the big challenges being considered by the two cabinet groups whose work is relevant to the Commission: Security, Crime and Justice cabinet working group and The Role of the State.

Equalities - The commission will consider labour's progress in establishing a society where everyone is treated in ways which allow them to realise their full potential. Current reforms will be discussed, next steps and how we communicate our progress to the party and public. Specific issues to be discuss include the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR), the Single Equality Act, the Gender Equality Duty. The Commission will take evidence and comments from outside experts and relevant speakers including Meg Munn MP, the Commission for CEHR and the NEC Women, Race and Equalities Committee.

March 2007
Immigration and Asylum - The Commission will discuss the separate and distinct key issues of immigration and asylum. Britain is a country with a strong tradition of providing safe haven to those genuinely fleeing persecution and we will continue to do so. However, this tradition can only be protected if we prevent abuses through illegal immigration and abuses of the asylum system. Our challenges are clear: to continue to provide a safe haven to those genuinely seeking shelter from persecution; to manage migration to meet the needs of our economy; to welcome legal migrants and help them to become British citizens with all of the rights and responsibilities that entails; to prevent abuse of the asylum system; and to protect our borders from those who seek to abuse the system. The commission will consider how Britain faces the challenge of a
globalised populations. The commission will invite outside speakers to give evidence.

Corporate Manslaughter - Following the conference resolution on Corporate Manslaughter, the commission will follow up progress on the legislation. Evidence to be taken from a Home Office minister.

May/June 2007
Drafting of second year policy consultation document. The commission will consider and agree a draft second year policy consultation document ahead of the National Policy Forum in July. Commission members will reflect on submissions received and representations to the CJCE policy commission when drafting the document. A telephone conference may be arranged to finalise the drafting of the document.

Combating the BNP and other far right organisations - Following representations from the wider party,the commission will takeevidence onthe SNP. The commission believes that political parties have a responsibility to respolld to the threat of extremist parties - we must address the conditions and circumstances which allow them to thrive. The commission will consider how the party can address the threat of the far right; outside evidence will be invited.

Summer 2007 - NPF
Meeting of the National Policy Forum to agree second year policy consultation document. As with previous years NPF members will consider the CJCE document in breakout sessions.

September 2007
CJCE policy seminar at Annual Conference - all commission members and relevant ministers will be invited to attend the CJCE policy seminar.

October 2007 Political engagement - The commission believes that there is a need for political parties to engage more closely with local communities. Low levels of turnout are a concern, as is the impression that fewer people than ever are engaging in mainstream political discourse. The commission will consider how the Labour Party can lead the debate on renewal of the democratic process. Among the measures up for discussion may be: increasing turnout at elections, youth parliaments, political participation, tackling under-representation, membership of political parties, postal voting, community engagement - the Commission will consider what more we can do to connect politics and people. Outside speakers to be invited.

November/December 2007
Community Justice - Labour believes in creating a justice system which is connected to the community it serves. Much progress has been made in reforming the justice system but more needs to be done to further reduce reWe need to continue our reforms to put the victim at the heart of the justice system. In considering reform of the justice system, the Commission will examine sentencing, prison, probation, re-offending, and youth justice. Other potential topics of discussion include legal aid, restorative justice and the National Offender Management Service. The commission will also consider Community Courts and Justice projects, including the successful projects in Liverpool and Salford which are bringing the criminal justice system closer to the communities it serves. Outside speakers to be invited.