Blair sets out key priorities for new Home Secretary John Reid

In the wake of former Home Secretary Charles Clarke's departure to the Back Benches, and amidst continuing scandals that continue to sully the reputation of the Immigration Department, Prime Minister Tony Blair has tasked Dr John Reid - Clarke's successor at Marsham Street - to deliver in several key areas, including policing, counter-terrorism and public protection, writes Brian Sims.

The embattled Blair wants to see "a particularly strong focus" on combating violence, drug abuse and robbery. On police reform, there's a stated desire to "strengthen protective services, implement neighbourhood policing and deliver workforce reform". In Blair's eyes: "The police should radically improve their performance on customer and victim satisfaction so that the performance of the poorest forces rapidly reaches that of the best."

A key priority for No10 is the delivery of the Government's counter-terrorism strategy, and making effective use of the new legislation wrapped up in the Terrorism Act 2006. Blair is desperate for Reid to work closely with colleagues across the Government in tackling "radicalism and extremism" in the UK. "There is no place here for those who advocate violence and hatred," states Blair in an open letter to Reid which is available to view on the Home Office web site (interested parties should log on at www.homeoffice.gov.uk)

Blair continues: "We must take decisive action against preachers of hate and groups concerned with terrorism or its glorification. Given the substantial additional resources provided to the intelligence services and law enforcement agencies, we must ensure they work closely to develop a richer understanding of extremist activity, and take appropriate action when it arises."

Central to the ‘Respect Action Plan' is the implementation of neighbourhood policing. There will need to be a strong delivery plan across Government backed by rigorous performance management if this is to be a success. Blair is said to be "concerned" about the variation in the application of powers we currently have throughout the country, and wants to "see this reduced".

A fresh look at how the Government has managed the highest crime-causing prolific drug users and abusers is on the cards, while Blair has also reiterated his intention to drive through the introduction of national ID cards by the year 2009.