I wish to submit a petition on behalf of 282 nationally registered interpreters from around the country who are concerned that plans to outsource the provision of interpreting services by police forces in the north-west will result in a worsening of the service provided to people requiring interpreting services as well as undermining the guidance of the Association of Chief Police Officers on the use of nationally registered interpreters whenever it is possible to provide them.

The petition states:

The Petition of persons concerned at the treatment of nationally registered interpreters,

Declares that the Greater Manchester Police are currently considering outsourcing provision of face-to-face interpreters to a commercial intermediary; further declares that registered interpreters are not prepared to work for an intermediary and that Greater Manchester Police would no longer be able to obtain their services should they outsource;

Notes that data obtained pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 show that outsourcing can lead to the use of persons purporting to be interpreters who are not on the National Register (which is stipulated as the first port of call by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform) or any of the other lists authorised by the National Agreement;

Believes that competent, vetted and professional interpreters are an integral part of the criminal justice system, ensuring a just and fair delivery of justice; further believes that taxpayers are entitled to see their money spent on a high quality service which will aid the administration of justice for ethnic minorities.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Home Secretary to do all in her power to persuade Greater Manchester Police to treat the profession with the respect it deserves and to include registered interpreters in any future consultations which may affect their livelihoods and profession; the petitioner further requests that the House of Commons urges the Home Secretary to intervene where police forces do not abide by the terms of the National Agreement.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.

[P000322]