Don Brash MP National Party Leader

10 September 2004

Labour urged to admit it was wrong

National Party Leader Don Brash says the Government should now admit it was wrong to attack National's law and order policy, given this week's revelations of a crisis in our prison system.

"There certainly is a sense of irony in all this, particularly for me," Dr Brash told a public meeting in Gisborne last night.

"Just two months ago Labour was attacking National's policy to expand prison capacity as part of our tough new law and order policy, which would see violent and repeat offenders denied parole.

"Now, just a short distance down the track, the Government's own prison management is coming unstuck.

"Our police and the civilian jailors who have been helping them get through this crisis deserve our thanks. But they, and our communities, shouldn't be put at risk in this way.

"Clearly Labour's short-sighted strategy of attacking National's plan to provide extra space at prisons has backfired.

"The Government must accept responsibility and take urgent steps to protect law abiding New Zealanders and keep our communities safe.

"This is the very least that people expect of their Government," Dr Brash said.

ENDS

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