Brian Paddick

As London goes to the ballot box on May 1 to vote for a new Mayor for the capital, SomethingJewish invited all the candidates to respond to a series of questions on where they stand on general as well as specific issues. Find out what Liberal Democrats candidate Brian Paddick said.

Why should Jewish Londoners vote for you?
The same reason that anyone else should: because rather than make a string of individual and self-contradictory promises to each of London's different communities, I offer a single prospectus addressing the issues we really care about together: safer street, better transport, a cleaner environment and affordable homes.
 
What experience do you have or working with Jewish Londoners (either personally or professionally)?
I have over 30 years experience as a police officer, starting on the street and rising to become Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Met responsible for territorial policing across all 32 boroughs.  You can only undertake such a job by working closely with all the communities that you serve, maintaining their trust and treating each fairly
without favour or prejudice.  I hope this is what I can also offer as Mayor.

What do you understand about Jewish life and culture and the contribution Jews have made to London life?
Jews have made a tremendous contribution to London's life, culturally, economically, politically and socially.  One glance at the long lists of Jewish Nobel prize winners, philanthropists, artists, writers,  musicians will tell you that.  But each of London's communities brings a different quality to our City as a whole and its as a whole that we should celebrate our vibrancy as well as our diversity.
 
If elected mayor what would you do to help promote Jewish culture in London?
I believe the Mayor should a champion of culture and work closely with all London's communities to support the activities which make our city such an exciting place to live.
 
What will you do to help facilitate better relations between ethnic and religious groups in London?
By listening to them, dealing fairly with everyone, by avoiding using racial insults and - if I dare quote Jewish scholars to a Jewish publication - treating my neighbour as I myself wish to be treated....
 
What is your position on the conflict in the Middle East between Israelis and Palestinians and how do you think the situation can be resolved?
My position is that this is not a situation which is anyway helped by the interference of the Mayor of London.  The job is big enough not to meddle where I am not needed.
 
There are calls by some to ban the practice of ritual slaughter of animals used for food. This practice is paramount to both the Jewish and Muslim faiths, what is your position on ritual slaughter of animals for food and do you support those who think it should be banned or those who do not want it banned?
Trust is founded on mutual respect, which includes respect for the dietary laws of Jews, Muslims and indeed Hindus, but this is not a responsibility of the Mayor and, unlike some, I believe the Mayor should stick to doing his own job.
 
What steps will you take to ensure that the rising tide of anti-Semitism is curbed?
Throughout my professional career I have worked to combat racism, religious hatred and prejudice of any kind.  I have a long record of prioritising action to reduce hate crimes, and a proven record of success in bringing about crime reduction.  It on this basis I have given a commitment to achieving a 5% year on year reduction in all crime and a public pledge not to re-stand if I fail to meet this target.  In the long term education is of course the key, but for immediate security issues, I hope my links with the police and, my experience of the work of the CST, will place me in good stead.
 
Name some Jewish people you admire and respect and tell us why?
Jonathan Sacks is a calm and authoritative voice, contributing to the overall quality of debate in this country like no other religious leader. Golda Meir was an early hero - what an inspirational leader.  And Woody Allen makes me laugh which is probably the most important thing.

What is your favourite Jewish food and why?
I'm sure that - of Jewish discoveries - understanding that e=mc2 has been hugely important to the development of modern society, but can it really have matched the impact of a Brick Lane bagel and cream cheese?