Today, the Liberal Democrats announce plans to invest an
extra £1 billion a year to restore community policing by enabling
forces to recruit 20,000 more police officers - enough for two
extra officers in every ward across England and Wales. The
Party will also fund an immediate 2% pay-rise for serving police
officers.
Liberal Democrat plans stand in stark contrast to Labour and the
Conservatives, who have made big promises on police numbers, but
have failed to commit the funding needed to deliver
them.
The Conservatives’ cuts to police numbers have contributed to a
rise in violence and decimated community policing, with 47% of
people saying they never see police foot patrols, up from 30% in
2014-15.
The delivery of Brexit will only make our communities even less
safe, hitting public finances and leaving police forces
underfunded.
, Liberal Democrat Home
Affairs Spokesperson in the Lords and former Deputy Assistant
Commissioner in the Metropolitan Police, said:
“Too many people feel unsafe in their own homes and walking down
their local streets. So many communities feel exposed and
vulnerable and, although the Tories and Labour are claiming to
offer solutions, their sums just don’t add up.
“Police officers are leaving in their droves because they are not
being properly rewarded for putting their lives on the line
to keep us safe. Only the Liberal Democrats have a bold and
credible plan to fund an increase in the number of police
officers, enough for two officers in every ward, and to provide
an immediate 2% pay-rise for our hard-working cops.
"The other parties just don’t get it – we need to encourage
experienced officers to stay, as well as recruiting the extra
officers we need. The Liberal Democrats are committing £1 billion
a year to fund this – that’s £250 million more, every year, than
Labour or the Tories.
“The Liberal Democrats are the only party willing to put our
money where our mouth is, backing our bobbies with money, not
just words. We are the only party that can stop Brexit,
make our communities safer and build a brighter future.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Manifesto spending commitments for the police force (by
party):
- Conservatives: 20,000 more officers, £750m/yr
- Labour: 22,000 more officers, £750m/yr
- Liberal Democrats: 20,000 more officers + 2% pay-rise,
£1bn/yr
Crime statistics under the Conservatives:
