Party Lines: December 1st

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

Speaking to Sky News this afternoon, Ed Balls said that he was in favour of devolving power over the police force, but against having the police directed by politicians:

“I’m in favour of devolution and I would like to see our police officers accountable in neighbourhoods for local decision-making but I don’t think they should be directed by politicians.”

“The idea this is the only way to have local accountability is wrong. Of course we should make progress there, but politicising policing, no thanks.”

“David Cameron had a bright idea in opposition, the reality of government will persuade him, I hope, that he’s wrong.”

Appearing on BBC News later, Balls was concerned that these changes would cost money at a time when police officers were being made unemployed:

“It’s going to cost the taxpayer £100 million for those elections and political advisers at a time that police forces are going to be laying off police officers and experienced staff. I think it’s really foolish and I hope the coalition are going to think hard before deciding whether to proceed with this.”

Meanwhile, shadow defence secretary Jim Murphy questioned the independence of Bank of England governor Mervyn King on Radio 4 this afternoon, in light of wikileaks revelations that he expressed party political opinions:

“There has got to be this sense of independence and that has now been called into question. So he has to work even harder now to demonstrate that”

“It’s compulsory that you have to have absolutely impeccable independence to retain the confidence of the economic markets, the politicians of all parties, and people who take an interest in these issues so the governor has to take great care.”