HYNDBURN'S MP has accused the Conservatives of putting the UK's crime fighting abilities 'at risk'.

Graham Jones also accused David Cameron of 'dithering' on a vote for the European Arrest Warrant (EAW).

The UK needs to opt back in to the EAW by December or face increased difficulties in getting suspected criminals back into the country.

Mr Jones said: "I know people in Hyndburn expect nothing short of a government which delivers fully on its first responsibility to the British people — keeping them safe from harm.

"I strongly believe in retaining the EAW to help keep our communities safe, protect our borders, and stop criminals fleeing justice. It is important that we continue to have this power.

"The Tories must not be soft on crime and must not sacrifice one of the police's most important tools simply because it has the word 'European' at the start of its name."

Mr Jones said high-profile successes of the warrant include the extradition from France of fugitive teacher Jeremy Forrest, who fled with a schoolgirl in 2012.