Police chief, MPs and bishop lined up for crime debate

Residents are being invited to attend the event, at Hull University on Friday, March 2, alongside criminal justice agencies and law and criminology lecturers and students.

Questions submitted by the audience will cover issues including the criminal justice system, policing, crime and punishment, and their funding in the current economic climate.

The panel will also include Beverley and Holderness Conservative MP Graham Stuart, Hull Trains Managing director Cath Bellamy, and Paul Foweather, former governor of HMP Hull and current governor of HMP Full Sutton near York.

The evening has been organised to raise money for the High Sheriffs’ and Humberside Police Tribune Trust, the prinicipal community safety charity in the region, which supports about 40 projects a year.

John Holtby, High Sheriff of the East Riding, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for people to hear the views of an extremely influential and experienced ‘Question Time’ panel about issues which concern them at the same time as raising funds for the Tribune Trust which tackles those issues in the Humberside Police area.”

The trust, which receives no public finds, said it was facing “considerable” demands to support projects because of the weak economy.

Last month the charity announced almost £13,000 of funding for eight community projects.

Grants ranged from the highest award of £3,000 to the Humberside Police Lifestyle Team, to the smallest of £250 to fund a mock trial competition at Beverley Magistrates’ Court on March 10.

Tickets for the debate, which begins at 7pm, cost £15 and include refreshments. To book call trust director Geoff Ogden on (01482) 334833.