She said: “As Home Secretary at this defining moment in our country’s history, I have a particular responsibility when it comes to taking back control. “It is to end the free movement of people once and for all. Instead, we will introduce an Australian style points-based immigration system, one that works in the best interests of Britain.” Miss Patel used her speech to conference re-pitch the Conservatives as the party of law and order. She announced £20 million to target drugs gangs that terrorise children and vulnerable adults into becoming couriers.
The so-called county lines dealers force those they are exploiting to become drugs runners because they are less likely to be picked up by police.
Some of the funding will be invested in technology to examine number plate data to spot dealing patterns as well as the creation of a dedicated team in British Transport Police, which will include visible and undercover officers that operate at railway stations.
Victims of gangs will receive more support from specialist caseworkers.
The Home Secretary confirmed extra powers for chief constables to dramatically increase the number of officers carrying stun guns to keep the public safe.
A £10 million fund will be set up to equip up to 60 per cent of police officers with Tasers.
Security measures, including CCTV and street lighting, will also be boosted under a £25 million Safer Streets scheme to improve Britain’s worst crime spots.
Miss Patel said she wanted to go after the criminals making “law-abiding people’s lives a misery”.
And she made clear that voters at the next election will be choosing between who they want in charge of borders and law and order as well as who they want in No 10.
She said: “Do we really want a Labour Home Secretary who would leave our communities and our country less safe? A Labour Party who won’t even attempt to take back control of our borders.
“Because they want to surrender our border control and extend free movement.”
She added: “I have the backs of all of the police officers who put their lives on the line day in, day out to keep us all safe and am giving them the tools to do their job. We are delivering on the public’s priorities while Jeremy Corbyn and Dianne Abbott side with the criminals.”
