Unfolding crisis in our police services – Diane Abbott

Diane Abbott MP, Shadow Home Secretary, responding to the comments of Greater Manchester chief constable Ian Hopkins that 60 per cent of crimes are not investigated, said:

“The revelations that most crime is not being investigated will not be a shock to any police professional, or to anyone who has closely observed the unfolding crisis in our police services.

“The Tories have axed 21,000 officers – and now serious violent crime is rising while arrest rates are falling. Ministers are in denial that their cuts are a major reason for this crisis. But they are increasingly isolated, as the police and the public simply don’t believe them. Cuts have consequences and you can’t have safety and security on the cheap.

“Labour will end these damaging cuts and recruit extra officers to tackle crime.”