BROWN - I'LL MAKE BRITAIN SAFER

Prime-Minister-in-waiting Gordon Brown today promised to make Britain
safer at a conference of top police officers in Manchester.

In a wide ranging speech delivered at the annual conference of the
Association of Chief Police Officers being held at the Midland Hotel,
the Chancellor also promised a review of how police tackle drug
dealers - with education about the perils of drugs starting in primary
school.

He also announced new money to ease prison overcrowding and added he
wanted tougher sentences for thugs who commit crimes on public transport.

Mr Brown began his speech by praising the heroism of police officers
who risked their lives in the line of duty.

"There's no greater responsibility than that you as police officers
accept and there's no greater responsibility for us in parliament to
support you in your duty," said the Chancellor, who promised to back
police.

He touched on the fears of people travelling on public transport and
said he wanted to make it an aggravating feature which could be
considered by the courts when sentencing thugs for attacks on busses,
trams and trains.

Mr Brown announced the Treasury would be providing additional money to
fund extra prison places including new "fast build units" this year.

Gangs

He promised a review of how police tackled drug dealing, and said he
wanted to "name and shame dealers and push out the gangs".

He added he believed education about the perils of drugs should start
much earlier at primary school age.

"We want to help persuade young people that drugs are the problem and
not the answer," he said.

The Chancellor said he wanted to ensure teachers had the resources and
power they needed - for instance to confiscate weapons - and added he
wanted to tackle bullying both inside and outside the school gates.

He added: "I'm convinced we need to intervene earlier when children
show the first signs of behavioural problems. We need to challenge
absent fathers to play their part."

Mr Brown concluded: "I give you this promise, to listen to you. I want
to work in partnership with you and I want us together to make our
nation stronger and safer."