Blunkett defends crime policy online

Mr Blunkett answered questions for over an hour

Home Secretary David Blunkett has called drugs "the scourge of our time" and promised tougher sentencing for traffickers.

Mr Blunkett was responding to a question posed during a live webchat on crime issues on BBC South Yorkshire's Where I Live internet site.

The MP for Sheffield Brightside promised a policy paper on the issue of drugs and crime shortly.

He said new legislation in the winter could see convicted traffickers facing up to 14 years in prison.

The MP was challenged about immigration

During his chat, Mr Blunkett also addressed questions on asylum policy, special constables, and arming the police.

He told one questioner independent statistics released next month would show crime rates had dropped by more than a fifth since Labour took control in 1997.

He rejected a suggestion to put soldiers on the streets, and pointed instead to his plans to introduce neighbourhood wardens and support officers.

"This will back up the police with a visible presence - it's got to work!"

Mr Blunkett was asked two questions about immigration policy.

'Warm welcome'

The first questioner wanted to know if he considered levels of immigration sustainable given the pressure on housing in the UK.

Mr Blunkett said he was doing everything he could to "get a grip of" illegal immigration.

However, the next questioner told him that shadow home secretary Oliver Letwin was "more humane and caring" towards asylum seekers.

Mr Blunkett replied his policies were "providing trust and confidence to the British people who will then offer a warm welcome to those legitimately in our country."