Home Office

1.59.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 3rd Apr 2007

Home Office soon to be split into two

Dear Mr Khalid Mahmood MP,

I am sure you have heard the news that the Home Office is to be split into two separate departments, as a Ministry of Justice will be established with the responsibility of running the criminal justice system and reducing re-offending, including creating new criminal offences and will also take in the responsibilities of the current Department of Constitutional Affairs.

Splitting the Home Office is something that many have long advocated, but it cannot be artificially rushed as is being done by this government. The timing of this decision seems entirely driven by John Reid and Tony Blair seeking to make as many changes as possible before a new Prime Minister takes over from Tony Blair. Like many constitutional changes by this Labour government this rushed change risks transforming a good idea into a botched job.

I would like to ask you to call on the Home Secretary Rt Hon John Reid MP to submit the government's proposals to Parliament for full debate and scrutiny before any reform takes place.

Sufficient time must be set aside to get the decision right this issue is far too important to get wrong.

Yours sincerely,

Adam Nazir Ahmed Teladia