The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Liberal Democrat candidate for London Mayor, Brian Paddick, today visited Nacro’s Latch House project in Lambeth.

Paul McDowell, chief executive of Nacro, and Yvonne Young, Nacro service manager, welcomed Nick Clegg and Brian Paddick to Latch House. The visit enabled Nick Clegg and Brian Paddick to listen to staff and the people living there talk about their experiences, as well as to learn about the services which Nacro are providing across the country.

Speaking during the visit, Nick Clegg said:

‘Problems like homelessness and drug misuse have a direct link to crime and reoffending. Breaking that link cuts crime and changes lives in communities up and down the country.

‘Nacro's work on the ground in our communities with problem offenders helps many to escape from a life of crime. Their expertise cuts reoffending and helps to make the communities they work in safer.’

Paul McDowell, chief executive of Nacro, said:

‘The Deputy Prime Minister has taken a personal interest in addressing the causes of the riots, and I was pleased to be able to talk to him about the work Nacro does to reduce crime and change lives.

‘Nacro works directly with offenders giving us some real insights into the causes of crime and the riots which we saw on Britain’s streets during the summer. On the basis of this we are well placed to take forward new thinking on managing offenders in the community.’

‘What’s more, it’s great to be able to show Brian and Nick around the project at Latch House. The team here deserves real praise for the work they do. They are a great example of the work Nacro and its partner organisations do to tackle the causes of crime and challenge reoffending.’