Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill

My Lords, I have listened to the Minister with a very heavy heart because, being an eternal optimist, I had hoped against hope that the Government might take some responsibility upon themselves and say, ““We are the Government and we are making the decision. On reflection, we do not think that it is a good idea to put citizens’ lives at risk in order to implement the changes in the Bill immediately””. I have concluded that I have done everything possible to persuade the Government that this is not only a bad idea but a positively dangerous one. I have also concluded that all my pleas have fallen on deaf ears, and it is with a heavy heart that I feel I have no choice but to withdraw my amendment. Amendment 206A withdrawn. Clause 51 : Ordinary elections Clause 51 : Ordinary elections Amendments 207 to 209 not moved. Clause 52 : Election to fill vacancy in office of commissioner Clause 52 : Election to fill vacancy in office of commissioner Amendments 210 to 215 not moved. Clause 53 : Persons entitled to vote Clause 53 : Persons entitled to vote Amendment 216 not moved. Clause 55 : Returning officers etc Clause 55 : Returning officers etc Amendment 217 not moved. Clause 59 : Power to make provision about elections etc Amendment 218 Clause 59 : Power to make provision about elections etc Amendment 218 Moved by