Nick Thomas-Symonds responds to NAO report on the Home Office’s delay in introducing the National Law Enforcement Data Service

Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Labour's Shadow Home Secretary, commenting on a National Audit Office (NAO) report finding that the Home Office’s delay in introducing the National Law Enforcement Data Service (NLEDS) is putting police access to vital information at risk, said:

“This report by the NAO reveals the appalling lack of leadership and grip by the Home Secretary in making sure our police have the best technology at their disposal. Knowing that this new system has more delays and spiralling costs will only help criminals who have never had it so good as under this government.

“This follows on from the Home Secretary losing 400,000 police records held on the Police National Computer with the recovery hampered by this ageing technology. The Police have warned that they do not have confidence in the delivery of the new system.

“Ministers must urgently explain why there has been this additional delay with thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money wasted. This Home Secretary is putting community safety at risk.”