Politicians and Police Officers
Caroline Spelman MP - Shadow Communities & Local Government Minister
“Hope 2008 is a wonderful initiative and an opportunity for local churches throughout the country to work in their communities and make a real difference to their neighbours.”
Lord John Stevens -former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service
‘HOPE2008 represents a remarkable opportunity for the UK Church to ‘raise its game’ in working with local police, local government and other local organisations to better serve our communities’
Chief Constable Matt Baggot - ACPO Head of Neighbourhood Policing
“Hope 2008 provides both a unique and truly significant opportunity to work alongside neighbourhood police officers in improving the quality of life in all our communities. If churches thank and encourage local officers in their day to day work and get involved practically in tackling neighbourhood concerns, then the impact could be truly immense.”
Parmjit Dhanda MP -
Cohesion Minister, Department for Communities and Local Government
"It gives me great pleasure to take this opportunity to recognise the achievements of HOPE2008 and the diverse range of projects it has delivered for many communities throughout the country. I consider HOPE2008 to be a valued partner of Government and a true example of what can be accomplished when we all work together towards a shared goal. The values and traditions which motivate those of a Christian faith to serve their fellow citizens are clearly evident in the themes of HOPE2008. It is also a credit to the many volunteers who actively support this initiative that HOPE2008 positively embraces the ideal of interfaith engagement in all of its projects. Communities and Local Government supports HOPE2008 in its aim of encouraging people of all faith traditions and none to work together to make our communities stronger, inclusive and more cohesive."
Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP - Chief Secretary of HM Treasury
“We are seeing more and more people based in local churches, working to make a difference across their communities. I welcome the contribution of Hope 2008. The Government is committed to working with faith groups to strengthen community engagement.”
Sir Ian Blair - Metropolitan Police Commissioner
“Hope 2008 will be an excellent opportunity for people of all denominations of the Christian faith to unite in regenerating and transforming their local communities, making them better places to both live and work. Hope’s interaction with Safer Neighbourhood Teams will offer the police, community and faith groups the chance to work together to make their area safer. As with SOULINTHECITY LONDON, Hope 2008 has my full support.”
Steve Webb MP - Lib Dem Health Spokesman
"An increasingly cynical world will judge us not only by our words but by our deeds. Hope 2008 provides an opportunity for local churches to demonstrate the relevance of the Gospel in a very practical way in their local community and can make a real impact. I am delighted to be associated with this venture".
