Vigilance can report that the British Security Industry Authority recently welcomed Lord Henley to his new role as Minister for Crime Prevention and Anti-Social Behaviour Reduction.
Vigilance learnt that in this prestigious appointment, Lord Henley's brief will include the drugs strategy, licensing and community activism. He will also lead all Home Office business in the House of Lords.
Lord Henley
BSIA Chief Executive, James Kelly said he is keen to engage with Lord Henley at the earliest possible stage, with issues such as cash in transit robberies, police budget cuts and CCTV regulation high on the agenda.
“The BSIA has long been at the forefront of improving industry standards and working with key government Ministers, in addition to the Police, Home Office and industry bodies is crucial in our bid to ensure best practice within the private security industry.” comments James.
James continues: “Looking forward, I look forward to meeting with Lord Henley, in order to provide him with a useful initial briefing on the issues facing the private security industry in these challenging times.”
Following recent announcement that Baroness Browning has stepped down as Minister of State for Crime Prevention and Anti-Social Behaviour Reduction for health reasons, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has wished her well, and welcomed the new appointment of Lord Henley to the post.
Baroness Browning was appointed at the Home Office in May this year after the reshuffle that saw Baroness Neville-Jones’ departure. Lord Henley is a Conservative party peer and has joined the Home Office ministerial team from DEFRA. He entered the House of Lords in 1977 and has held a number of front bench positions both in Government under Margaret Thatcher and John Major as well as in Opposition.
Home Secretary Theresa May said: "I want to thank Baroness Browning for her contribution to Government. In her time at the Home Office she has taken forward work to help prevent crime and reduce anti-social behaviour in our communities and has played a vital role in taking our plans to reform policing and give greater accountability to the public through the Lords. I wish her the very best for the future. I'm pleased to welcome Lord Henley to the Home Office and look forward to working with him to deliver our key priorities."