Vera Baird DBE KC

Chair Criminal Cases Review Commission. Member Women’s Justice Bd.
Ex Victims’ Commissioner, Solicitor Gen & PCC. Fellow St Hilda’s Oxford. Writer. Labour Party

Category: Police & Crime Commissioner

  • Vera Baird is backing Wear Red Day

    Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird QC, and Chief Constable Steve Ashman, will be wearing something red this Friday (21, October) to support educational charity Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) as it marks its 20th anniversary of standing up to racism.

    They will be joined by officers and staff who will be backing the campaign by adding a touch of colour to their outfits with red items such as socks, shoe laces or scarves.

    ‘Wear Red Day’ is a national campaign that will see supporters from up and down the country dressing in red and donating a £1 to help raise funds to deliver education in schools on the impact of racism within football and society as a whole.

    PCC Vera Baird QC, who is also Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said: “Show Racism the Red Card is a great campaign which teaches children right and wrong with regards to racism – Wear Red Day gets my 100% support. It is my hope that through initiatives like this we can wipe out racism once and for all. I’m proud that the North East is a welcoming place, we will continue to work hard to tackle racism when it occurs”

    Chief Constable, Steve Ashman, said: “Northumbria Police wholeheartedly supports any initiative to combat racism and I hope to encourage anyone who is a victim of racism, or who witnesses a racist incident, to contact us so we can take firm action. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, hate crime in any form, is not acceptable and will not be tolerated by Northumbria Police.”

    For more information about the awareness day and ways to donate, visit http://www.srtrc.org/get-involved/WearRedDay

  • William Wilberforce and UK commitment to combat modern slavery.

    On Wednesday, a wreath laying service at Westminster Abbey to commemorate the work of William Wilberforce and to mark the United Kingdom\’s commitment to combat modern slavery will take place, sadly, I can\’t be present. Below is a letter of support I sent to Commissioner Kevin Hyland, Anti-Slavery Commissioner.

    10th October 2016

    Dear Commissioner,

    I am sorry that I cannot be at the wreath laying service at Westminster Abbey to commemorate the work of William Wilberforce and to mark the United Kingdom’s commitment to combat modern slavery, this is due to commitments as Chair of the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners.

    It is right and proper that we mark the work of William Wilberforce who used his position as a Member of Parliament to head the parliamentary campaign against the British slave trade for twenty years, until the passage of the Slave Trade Act in 1807.

    Wilberforce was committed to humanitarian reform, he read widely on the subject, learnt from those who were affected and worked with people such as Thomas Clarkson, a fellow graduate of St John’s, Cambridge, who supported Wilberforce in the need to end the slave trade. Wilberforce’s campaign took time – for 18 years he regularly introduced anti-slavery motions in Parliament. His determination and commitment paid off and in 1807, the slave trade was finally abolished.

    Wilberforce ensured that Parliament took action, his determination, passion and success is rightly commemorated today by the laying of a wreath.

    Despite moving on nearly 200 years, the grim reality today is that slavery still exists in towns and cities across the world, including here in the United Kingdom. It’s frightening that young girls are raped, beaten and passed from abuser to abuser and sexually exploited for profit. The fact that vulnerable men are tricked into working long hours, being locked away in sheds is disgraceful. The scale of this hidden crime in the United Kingdom is significant – in 2013 the Home Office estimated there were around 12,000 potential victims in the United Kingdom.

    Politicians, Police & Crime Commissioners and government are determined to do all they can to stamp out modern slavery, we have seen the introduction of the Modern Slavery Bill – there is more to do and I am convinced that the beliefs and passion of Wilberforce are shared by people today. Modern day slavery is something that we must continue to tackle and services such as today highlight the work that is taking place across the country to put in place protections and support for victims and to ensure tough penalties for those who exploit people.

    Together, we will make a difference.

    Yours sincerely

    Vera

    Vera Baird QC

    Police & Crime Commissioner – Northumbria

    Chair of the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners.

  • Emily Wilding Davison’s Birthday

    Emily Wilding Davison

    Emily Wilding Davison

    Emily Wilding Davison was born on 11th Oct 1872, she was one of the most famous suffragettes – she defied the odds many times, she stood up for what she believed in, even when women could not gain a degree from Oxford University, her result exam result was a first class honours.

    Emily believed in the rights of women, Victorian society wasn’t the best place for articulate, clever women – in fact any women – to progress. The fact that all woman were denied the right to vote drove her on. Emily had a battle on her hands to convince those in power – especially when the monarch (Queen Victoria) did not believe that women should involve themselves in politics, which was ironic when you think she had regular audiences with the Prime Minister, was informed about crucial and critical matters of state and she oversaw Britain’s great empire.

    Emily was angered by discrimination and the fact that women were not treated equal to men. She has rightly taken her place in history. She spoke up for women, she wanted to bring about change and she paid the ultimate price following injuries she sustained at the 1913 derby.

    Moving on just over hundred years since her death, women still have many challenges – which I am sure Emily would be at the forefront of championing. She would be a strong campaigner for women’s rights, she would want us all – men and women to unite to tackle violence against women and girls. I hope that she would be proud that it was our region that established the first regional violence against women and girls strategy, in partnership with my PCC colleagues, Barry Coppinger and Ron Hogg.

    The strategy sets out how we will provide support to those who suffer domestic and sexual abuse, we have better trained officers and superb after care and we will do everything we can to bring perpetrators before the courts. As we mark Emily’s birthday, I am confident that she would be on our side, she would be a strong advocate of ending violence against women and girls.

    As we say thank you to Emily for her commitment to getting women the vote, lets join together to end violence against women and girls now, so future generations don’t have to fight a battle that should be consigned to history.

  • Election

    Postal votes have started to drop on doors across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, I hope you will take a few moments to complete your ballot paper and give me your first preference vote.  If you aren\’t voting by post you can vote at the Polling Station on May 5th.

    You can find out more about my plans by clicking on to my Facebook page www.facebook.com/verabairdqc

    Vote Baird – Vote Labour.

  • PCC Vera Baird steps into the ring to praise the work of local sports group

    Special guest Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, was welcomed to Dunston Teams Amateur Boxing Club to see first-hand the excellent work being undertaken by the voluntary sporting group.

    Since starting in 2012, the club now has 50 members and has become a hub for the local community – providing a place for young people to exercise, learn new skills and socialise.

    Especially for Vera Baird’s visit, members held an exhibition where they showcased a range of training activities, sparring and pad work.

    Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, said: “I was delighted to be invited along to Dunston Teams Amateur Boxing Club to see first-hand the valuable work undertaken by the team. Forming this club was a great idea and it is clearly having a positive effect on the local community. I met a fantastic bunch of young people who spoke very highly of the club, its leaders and the positive opportunities it brings. It really is making a difference and I look forward to seeing this success continue in the future.”

    Head Coach at the club, Ernie Blenkiron, said: “We’re very proud of everything the club and its members have achieved and it was a pleasure having Ms Baird along to see our facilities – we’re very grateful of her support for the work we’re doing. Boxing is based on discipline and respect – an ethos we aim to promote through our club. We are working hard to promote our boxing and fitness classes ensuring they are accessible to people of all abilities so that everyone in the community can enjoy them. Whatever your background and whether you’re young, old, male, female – everyone is welcome along.”

    Constable Neighbourhood Beat Manager, Ryan Mark, said: “For me, this club ticks all the boxes – it provides youngsters with a sense of belonging and promotes a healthy lifestyle and respectful values. This club demonstrates such great community spirit and is a place where youngsters can come together and take part in sport in a safe environment, off the streets and reducing anti-social behaviour. As an officer, it\’s the perfect place for me to come down and engage with youngsters. We can chat in an informal setting and I believe it really helps build a sense of trust and to break barriers. It is always fantastic to come along and see what a fantastic job the volunteers are doing.”

  • The Crack – North East Magazine, April 2016

    Delighted to feature in the April edition of “The Crack” magazine, in the article I talk about my achievements as Police & Crime Commissioner, my priorities and even what my favourite police tv programme is – get your copy today!

  • VERA BAIRD WELCOMES SUPPORT FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY ASB IN SOUTH TYNESIDE

    A support team to help those affected by anti-social behaviour has been established in South Tyneside.

    South Tyneside Council in partnership with South Tyneside Homes have recruited a group of five volunteers to provide support to victims across the Borough.

    The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Richard Porthouse, presented the volunteers with certificates to celebrate the completion of their initial training. The training equipped the volunteers with the essential skills needed to support victims affected by anti-social behaviour.

    South Tyneside’s ASB victim support volunteering project is being supported by funding from Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Vera Baird. The project is part of her regional initiative which aims to offer advice and guidance to those affected by this type of offence.

    Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, said: \”Anti-social behaviour can affect anyone at any time and I am very grateful to all the volunteers and everyone involved in helping me tackle this issue head on and making a difference to the lives of victims. Protecting people from harm and helping victims are top priorities for me so I wish this project in South Tyneside every success.\”

    The Mayor said: “It was a pleasure to meet the Borough’s new volunteers and to help celebrate their first steps to becoming fully trained.

    “The volunteers who have joined the project will provide a vital service to people affected by anti-social behaviour. They will provide ongoing emotional support and practical help and will be a point of contact for victims.

    “On behalf of the Borough I would like to thank all of the volunteers for agreeing to give up their time to support those affected by anti-social behaviour in South Tyneside.”

    The volunteers will help victims to cope and recover following an incident or sustained attacks as well as improve community confidence.

    Councillor Tracey Dixon, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety said: “Anti-social behaviour not only has a detrimental impact on communities, it can be extremely distressing for the individuals affected, impacting on their health and wellbeing. It is something we are determined to tackle.

    “We hope the emotional and practical support that our volunteers will provide to victims and witnesses of anti-social behaviour will empower residents to report this type of activity so action can be taken to prevent further incidents in their area.

    “We are committed to working with our partners including Victim Support and South Tyneside Homes to make sure this scheme has a positive impact across the Borough.”

  • Vera Baird speaks of commitment to stamping out Modern Day Slavery

    Police arrest a man in connection with Modern Day Slavery in Blyth.

    The arrest follows an on-going investigation by the Blyth Neighbourhood Policing Team into reports of people working without payment and living in squalor in private accommodation in the town.

    On Tuesday, March 15, a 44-year-old man was arrested for assault and Modern Day Slavery. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

    The activity forms part of Operation Merlin – an initiative ran by the Blyth Neighbourhood Policing Team to protect the most vulnerable in the community and work with partners to provide help for residents who need it the most.

    Modern Day Slavery includes a person being exploited through domestic servitude, sex trafficking and forced labour.

    Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird said: “We will not tolerate the enslaving of anyone. Everyone has the right, and is entitled to be free. Here in Northumbria we are fully committed to stamping out all forms of modern day slavery and human trafficking, and this arrest proves that we will take swift and direct action where any such offences are suspected to be taking place.

    “It’s important people realise that these offences can happen on our doorstep, right here in the North East, and we need to ensure people caught up in these terrible situations have access to the help and safety they need.

    “I urge anyone with any concerns to seek help – our officers will offer full support and bring offenders to justice.”

    Chief Inspector, Nicola Musgrove, said: “Safeguarding vulnerable children and adults is a key priority for us and we are committed to minimising harm in communities.

    “Modern day slavery is a hidden crime and can happen anywhere, in all sections of the community and we investigate reports of this nature thoroughly.

    “This arrest is a direct result of community intelligence and we urge people to look out for potential victims and if you are concerned or have any suspicions to contact police straight away.

    “Our enquiries are ongoing and I would urge people to be vigilant and if something doesn’t look or feel right I would ask them to contact us.

    Anyone who may have concerns is asked to contact police on 101 or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • “PAY UP” says Police & Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird QC.

    Northumbria’s Police & Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird has insisted that Conservative Chancellor, George Osborne must pay back over £1 million pound to Northumbria Police.

    Mr Osborne has been reprimanded by an official statistics watchdog – after he cut police funding for Northumbria despite promising not to.

    The Tories also used the council tax precept by planning a budget that included an assumption local residents in Northumbria would pay £5 a year more for their policing with no consultation with local people, police & crime commissioners or council leaders.

    PCC Vera Baird, said: “All of Osborne’s bravado last year was hot air – we knew at the time he had cut police budgets and this has been confirmed by the UK Statistics Authority. The government manipulated the figures, assumed a council tax increase of £5 to just maintain the services. The Police Grant that we receive from government is less, it’s wrong that the government forced the police to keep services at their current level by imposing a £5 increase with no consultation.”

    Here in Northumbria, police funding is made up of a grant from central government and the police precept element of the council tax. The government put their funding package together including a £5 increase. Forces then have money taken off them through “top slicing”, this is where money is used to pay for national schemes.

    Vera Baird added: “In relation to the Police Precept, it is normally the role of police & crime commissioners to determine an increase, if at all. This time the government put in place the £5 increase – if this amount had not been included, our police force would have received even less funding. Northumbria has also had £1.2 million directly removed and I want it back. I want this money to invest in policing to ensure we keep bobbies on the beat and that Northumbria remains one of the safest places in the country to live.”

    Vera Baird will be meeting the Shadow Home Secretary, Andy Burnham and the Shadow Policing Minister, Jack Dromey, to urge them to keep the pressure on the Chancellor , to get him to correct the record and find the extra money to honour his promise.

    Since 2010, Northumbria Police budget has been cut by the Tories and Lib Dems by more than £100 million, this has resulted in the force loosing 861 police officers and nearly 1000 police staff.

  • Think Twice!

    Vera Baird SBE KC

    The plea follows an increase in the number of reports received by police in Sunderland and South Tyneside about teenagers and young people posting images of themselves on social network sites of a sexually explicit nature.

    Officers are asking youngsters to think carefully about the content they post online and are reminding them that these images have the potential to be shared worldwide with strangers and online criminals.

    Southern Area Command Superintendent Sarah Pitt said: “If you are posting images of a sexually explicit nature you are putting yourself at risk of unwanted contact from other teenagers, harrassment, bullying and exploitation from cyber criminals.

    “Never send or share an explicit image in a text or over the internet. However much you trust the person you are sending it to you have no idea where it could end up.

    “It’s also important to be aware that you may also be committing a criminal offence for which you could be arrested. The consequences of this could follow you into your adult life and in certain circumstances may affect your prospects of a career.

    “The internet is an essential tool and social networking sites are a popular way for young people to communicate but we need to make sure they stay safe online and know how to use it responsibly.

    “Anyone who may have concerns about images they have shared or received should speak with a trusted adult or the police straight away.

    “We will be working with local schools across both Sunderland and South Tyneside to educate teenagers around the risks and their personal responsibility to ensure they use social media responsibly, it is a great tool for them to keep in contact with their friends but there are risks attached and these risks can be greatly increased by the content they post.”

    Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, said: “The internet plays such an important part of everyday life for so many young people, especially with social networking being a popular way to communicate. It’s very important that we make sure young people stay safe online and are aware of the risks and what they can do to avoid them.”

    For more information about staying safe online please visit:

    http://www.northumbria.police.uk/esafety