(Cardiff Central)
(Lab): I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this
debate. Specifically on police funding, I have asked many times
for capital city funding for South Wales Police. My constituency
holds well over 400 events—royal events, political events and
sporting events—every year, but nothing is forthcoming. Does she
agree that just as with energy projects, the Tories cannot be
trusted to fund our police properly in Wales?
(Gower) (Lab): I
thank my hon. Friend for her contribution. That is very
important. Many of us who were at the international match on
Saturday got to see how many police are needed to keep people
safe. I am really concerned that this is a drain on the resources
of South Wales Police in particular, and we need to address this
issue immediately.
The community teams of officers and police community support
officers across Swansea and Gower work tirelessly, juggling shift
work and family life, and I am particularly grateful for their
excellent work. I am very fortunate to enjoy a close working
relationship with these teams. I have been out on the beat to see
their dedication to serving the community, including visiting
local pubs—not to drink, but to promote anti-drink- driving
campaigns in rural areas. Without a doubt, they are committed and
hard-working and I recognise the challenges that they face in
dealing with some of the biggest problems in 2019.
How many of us are aware of the number of officers and support
staff that it takes to keep us safe at night? I was struck by
that when I went down Wind Street in Swansea with PC Andy Jones
before Christmas. The resources that the force puts into ensuring
that match day at the Liberty Stadium is policed and monitored
are astounding. My hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff Central (Jo
Stevens) has already spoken about Cardiff, so I shall move on,
but that needs to be noted and it needs to be addressed.
Police forces face many challenges in providing care and support
for the most vulnerable in Wales, and South Wales Police are
collaborating extremely well with all agencies. The police and
crime commissioner, , has funded the groundbreaking
Swan project, which involves the police and Women’s Aid working
together to support prostitutes in Swansea. Those vulnerable
women have nowhere to turn. They are in crisis. They often have
drug problems and a history of adverse childhood experiences such
as sexual abuse...
To read the whole debate, CLICK
HERE
