The leader of Neighbourhood Watch has today (22 May) reiterated the movement’s political neutrality ahead of the European elections.
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of the Neighborhood Watch Network, the charity which represents schemes across England and Wales, said: “Neighbourhood Watch is and always has been a politically neutral movement. We have no affiliations and are entirely neutral when it comes to elections.
“Although we encourage politicians to engage with Neighbourhood Watch groups in a constructive manner, we ask all politicians to refrain from using our name in communications that could be interpreted as party political campaigning.
“It is important that people of all views, backgrounds and life experiences feel that we are a movement that is open and listening to them. We rigorously believe that communities are happier and safer places to live when people know their neighbours. In these divisive times, that is a comforting thought.”