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Policing (England and Wales)
24 February 2020
Lead MP
Kit Malthouse
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Policing & ResourcesCrime & Law EnforcementEmployment
Other Contributors: 67
At a Glance
Kit Malthouse raised concerns about policing (england and wales) in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Government is committed to delivering safer communities by providing the resources needed for police forces across England and Wales. This includes a £700 million increase in funding, the recruitment of 6,000 new officers, lifting restrictions on emergency stop-and-search powers, and addressing complex criminal challenges such as fraud and online economic crime. The funding will enable police to combat serious violence, murder, drug gangs, and scams targeting vulnerable individuals.
Alex Cunningham
Lab
Redcar
Cleveland faces a significant challenge with the third highest level of violent crime in the country. Despite this, it currently receives no serious violence funding. The hon. Member for Redcar appealed to the Prime Minister but was dismissed; he seeks a review by the Home Secretary to allocate Cleveland the necessary resources.
John Redwood
Con
Wokingham
Asks about the priorities chief constables have for the new police officers. Mentions that his own police force will receive £32 million in settlement and discusses ongoing conversations with the National Policing Board to prioritise violent crime.
Chris Elmore
Lab
Bridgend
Raises concern over economic crime and scamming, urging for a 360° approach to tackle increasingly complex fraud and scams targeting vulnerable people. He calls on the Minister to prioritise economic crime in national policing.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Questions whether recent funding generosity will compel police forces to take responsibility for investigating fraud rather than passing it off to Action Fraud, which has proven ineffective. He emphasises the need for a more effective response to fraud.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Highlights the severe impact of budget cuts and youth service reductions on knife crime rates in Slough. Asks that funding be directed towards areas most affected by violent crime, such as Slough, rather than less impacted regions.
North Cotswolds
Asks for an explanation regarding the funding formula that led to Gloucestershire constabulary receiving one of the lowest settlements. He seeks clarity on how these figures are calculated.
Heather Wheeler
Con
South Derbyshire
Invites the Minister to visit Derbyshire and meet with Angelique Foster, who is putting together a plan for enhanced policing in Derbyshire with additional funding. She also mentions the 'knife angel' sculpture in Derby.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Expresses concern about antisocial behaviour, burglary, lead theft, and fly-tipping issues affecting Lincolnshire. She welcomes 120 new officers for her county but seeks support in tackling local crimes effectively.
Nickie Aiken
Con
Warrington North
Asked the Minister whether the Mayor of London should revisit his list of police station closures in light of extra funding for the Metropolitan Police.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Discussed the additional recruitment of 1,369 police officers for the Metropolitan Police and the need for a general review of property strategy. Emphasised investment in young people to divert them from criminality with significant funding committed by the Government.
Giles Watling
Con
Clacton
Inquired about measures to prevent young people from getting involved in knife crime despite increased police presence in Clacton and Essex.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Responded that the Government is investing heavily in youth intervention projects to divert at-risk individuals away from criminality, alongside enforcement efforts. Mentioned specific funding allocations for police recruitment and technology upgrades.
Kevan Jones
Independent Labour Party
Durham
Questioned whether Durham would return to the 2010 level of police officers given the replacement officer scenario, highlighting a shortfall despite new recruitments.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Clarified that while there are replacements for retiring officers, the plan includes an additional 20,000 police officers over three years. Stated that a performance report will be published detailing recruitment progress.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Noted the similar situation in South Wales where 600 fewer officers exist compared to 2011, expressing doubt that the announced uplift of 136 officers would fully address the deficit.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Stressed that the current recruitment is part of a three-year programme with additional funding to be distributed in future years, aiming for an overall increase compared to 2010 levels.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Inquired about firearm certificate renewals and new applications across England and Wales, seeking assurance that there would be a uniform system of handling these processes.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Confirmed his commitment to addressing the concerns raised regarding firearms licensing through discussions with relevant bodies. Highlighted additional funding for counter-terrorism and serious organised crime fighting, alongside technology investments in police infrastructure.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Suggested that increasing precepts at a local level places an unfair burden on constituents already facing council tax increases.
Ynys Mon
Asked about specific provision for rural policing in Wales, highlighting the unique challenges faced by rural communities.
Geraint Davies
Labour Co-op
Croydon Central
Inquired about technical capability regarding revenge porn, noting that thousands of cases are reported but only a handful go to court. He called for more police resources and capabilities in tackling online criminality.
Mary Robinson
Independent Group for Change
Bolton North East
Welcomed the additional officers in Greater Manchester, expressing concern about acquisitive crime rates. She requested data transparency from police systems to better understand and tackle local crime issues.
Diane Abbott
Ind
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Noted that while the funding settlement does not undermine the police further, there is no confidence in the Government’s ability to restore policing or tackle serious crime effectively. She highlighted the previous Prime Minister's failure to meet a pledge on police recruitment.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Birmingham Selly Oak
Questioned whether West Midlands Police would face a funding gap of about £10 million despite the settlement, expressing concern over additional savings required by the force.
Questions Diane Abbott about the Labour Mayor’s record on tackling crime in London.
Diane Abbott
Ind
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Acknowledges that the current funding for policing is inadequate, resulting in a 7% rise in knife crimes from March 2011. She points out an increase in firearms offences and robbery since 2015, with fraud incidents also rising sharply to almost 4 million annually.
Raises concern about the redistribution of funding from poorer areas like County Durham to wealthier ones such as Surrey.
Diane Abbott
Ind
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Reiterates that increasing reliance on local precepts is regressive, disproportionately impacting lower-income communities.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Supports Abbott's argument by citing a 12% increase in the police precept last year in Warwickshire and another expected rise this year, highlighting the regressive nature of such taxes.
Diane Abbott
Ind
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Calls into question the government's levelling-up agenda regarding police funding, emphasising that it is a regressive tax.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Questions Abbott about the Government’s levelling-up agenda for police forces across the country.
Diane Abbott
Ind
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Responds sceptically to Holden's comment, citing a National Audit Office report suggesting that the Home Office does not know if the police system is financially sustainable. She also notes cuts in PCSOs and admin staff leading to reduced community policing and more administrative work for officers.
Expresses concern over unfair treatment of Teesside, noting that Cleveland has received only half the funds needed to address their lost police budget since 2010.
Diane Abbott
Ind
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Agrees with Cunningham's concern about unfair treatment of Teesside, noting the abysmal record of rising crime due to cuts in youth services, schools, mental health funding, and more.
Richard Drax
18:42:00
Defends the government's economic policies, arguing that 10 years was needed to recover from Labour’s spending during their time in office. He also pays tribute to Dorset police and officers serving under them.
Richard Drax
Con
Dorset West
Welcomed the new Minister to his place and expressed gratitude for increased funding. Emphasised that police should focus on preventing crime and catching criminals, rather than other tasks such as dealing with mental health issues or wandering dogs. Raised concerns about Dorset’s low funding position and called for more levelling up in future. Highlighted the importance of visible policing with officers on foot patrol in blue uniforms to deter potential criminals.
Tom Hunt
Con
Ceredigion
Suggested that police should spend less time investigating societal issues and more time protecting law-abiding citizens. Criticised the lack of action against Extinction Rebellion activists, highlighting a specific incident in Cambridge.
Richard Drax
Con
Dorset West
Agreed with Tom Hunt about focusing on minor crimes and antisocial behaviour to improve morale. Discussed the need for funding adjustments due to tourist influxes, multi-year budget settlement for better planning, and raised concerns over fraud against elderly individuals.
Kevan Jones
Lab
North Durham
Praised the police force for their work and leadership. Criticised the Government’s new strategy as misleading, arguing that it aims to divert attention from previous reductions in policing resources under the Conservative party's leadership. Highlighted a specific example of staffing cuts in County Durham and pointed out that despite promised increases, there will still be fewer officers overall compared to 2010.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Suggested that policing requires a broader approach beyond just increasing the number of police officers. Emphasised the importance of dealing with crime's root causes through health and education initiatives.
Kevan Jones
Lab
North Durham
Agreed that more than just numbers are needed to tackle crime, pointing out increased demands on policing due to factors like mental health issues, youth services cuts, and a struggling court system. Criticised the closure of courts across the country as having broken community links.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Agreed with Kevan Jones regarding the importance of Ron Hogg, former police and crime commissioner. Suggested that someone with experience in law enforcement should serve as a police and crime commissioner to maintain strong community ties.
Kevan Jones
Lab
North Durham
Ron, the late Police and Crime Commissioner in County Durham, was a passionate advocate for community engagement and alternative justice systems like Checkpoint. He emphasised that being a former police officer is not enough to qualify one as PCC; it requires a commitment to listening to underprivileged groups. Jones criticised the Conservative government's approach to policing, stating that while more officers are needed on the streets, they failed to address systemic issues over the past decade. He highlighted the need for a holistic view of criminal justice, including mental health and social care integration. He also emphasised that austerity measures have drained essential resources from police, courts, probation services, and community support systems. Jones argued against the government's shift towards locally raised funding, pointing out it unfairly penalises poorer regions like County Durham.
Newton Abbot
Morris suggested looking at models from Wales where fire, police, and ambulance services collaborate closely. She argued for a more integrated approach to addressing crimes with health-related roots, particularly mental health issues. This collaboration could enhance the efficiency of resource use.
Laura Farris
Con
Newbury
Farris acknowledges her predecessor Richard Benyon's achievements and introduces herself as the new MP for Newbury. She highlights the constituency's schools, special educational needs provision, natural beauty, historical significance, and her family background in politics. The debate concerns police funding; Farris welcomes the £33 million investment for Thames Valley Police which will lead to 50 new officers. She discusses workforce challenges such as an ageing population and the importance of flexible working conditions, advocating for a recalibration of attitudes towards older workers' capabilities and flexibility in job roles.
Steve McCabe
Lab
Birmingham Selly Oak
McCabe acknowledges the Government's commitment to restoring police numbers but criticises previous cuts which he believes have undermined policing effectiveness. He highlights the issue of collateral demand caused by austerity and mentions specific concerns about fraud and retail crime, including difficulties in tracking down fraudsters and a high incidence of attacks on shop workers. He also expresses concern over funding gaps for forces like West Midlands despite recent increases.
Selaine Saxby
Con
North Devon
Saxby speaks about the unique challenges faced by North Devon's police force, including geographical isolation and a large influx of tourists during summer months. She welcomes an increase in funding but notes that it remains below average per capita compared to other areas in England and Wales. She calls for further support through measures like cross-force co-operation and innovative technology use.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Thanked the police for their work, particularly praising South Wales Police. Highlighted personal insights gained from participating in the police parliamentary scheme, including experiences such as interacting with National Police Air Service members during the Grenfell tragedy and being involved in a pursuit of a dangerous individual. Mentioned local issues like county lines and knife violence tackled by PCSOs Neil Crowley and Sa'ipolu Uhi.
Welcomed the motion to approve the police grant report, noting a 10.4% increase for North Wales Police, equivalent to an additional £10.8 million. Emphasised the importance of supporting North Wales Police in their fight against drug trafficking.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Welcomes additional resources for the police in Wales but notes a decline of 600 officers since 2011. Raises concerns about Cardiff's underfunding compared to other UK capital cities. Emphasises the need for better funding for counter-terrorism, serious violence and knife crime prevention, youth services, and online harms. Urges action on hate crime training and resources for police to ensure successful prosecutions. Expresses concern over costs of policing the royal couple.
Julie Marson
Con
Hertford and Stortford
I am honoured to represent Hertford and Stortford, a constituency with a rich history and vibrant community. I pledge to be a strong voice for our farmers, rural heartland, and residents facing unprecedented development. My commitment includes supporting environmentally sustainable building practices and advocating for the restoration of local services like police stations. Having witnessed the impact of social issues through my work as a magistrate, I am dedicated to championing initiatives like social impact bonds that can change lives positively.
Jack Dromey
Lab
Erdington
I pay tribute to maiden speakers while highlighting the Government's failure in ensuring safety and security for citizens over the past decade. In my constituency, we have seen significant cuts to police budgets and officer numbers, leading to a rise in crime rates including knife crime, violence against persons, possession of weapons, and sexual crimes. These issues are exacerbated by an ongoing pressure on resources and increased demands on police services, resulting in heightened community fears and a need for more substantial measures to rebuild neighbourhood policing efforts.
Steven Baker
Con
Wycombe
Responded with a question challenging the Labour MP about the financial state inherited when the current Government came into power. He pointed out that upon taking office, they found no remaining funds to work with and asked if there was any sympathy for having to address this legacy.
Jack Dromey
Lab
Birmingham Erdington
Under the Government's rule, national debt has doubled and crucial cuts were made to the police service, including a reduction of 20,000 officers. The consequences have been catastrophic for safety and security in the country. It is necessary to rebuild neighbourhood policing and youth services such as those closed down in Birmingham. The emphasis should be on rebuilding trust within communities which helps prevent acts of terrorism, not just Islamist but also right-wing terrorism. While an increase in police numbers is welcome, the Government must reflect on the consequences of their actions over the last 10 years that have led to a heavy price being paid by many citizens.
Joy Morrissey
Con
Beaconsfield
Paying tribute to Thames Valley police for keeping streets safe and thanking the Minister for increasing funding, Morrissey made her maiden speech expressing her desire to work across the House for social justice issues similar to Nancy Astor. She is determined to reform the criminal justice system, particularly prisons, and support veterans and police who have risked their lives for security. Beaconsfield, known for influential thinkers like William Penn and artists like Barry Gibb, has consistently voted Conservative over centuries, highlighting the constituency's alignment with a one-nation Conservative party.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Welcoming the new Members of Parliament, including Joy Morrissey, Morden criticised the Government for trumpeting this as the best police settlement in a decade despite drastic cuts over 10 years. Gwent Police has seen its budget reduced by 40%, leaving uncertainty about future funding and recruitment under Operation Uplift. She raised concerns about PCSO numbers falling and requested clarity on the apprenticeship levy for Welsh forces which have yet to receive their share directly from the Home Office as promised. Emphasising a need for long-term strategy, Morden highlighted the importance of investment in police control rooms, custody suites, and prevention initiatives.
Virginia Crosbie
Con
Ynys Môn
Welcomed the motion to approve the police grant report, which includes a 10.4% increase in funding for North Wales Police, equating to £10.8 million. Highlighted the importance of supporting police efforts against drug rings and addressing underlying social issues such as lack of work opportunities and hopelessness. Emphasised the need for collaboration between law enforcement agencies across borders and praised initiatives like 'Prison! Me! No Way!', which aims to prevent young people from entering prison. Advocated for greater support for the safer streets fund and expressed commitment to working with police on Ynys Môn and beyond.
Holly Lynch
Lab
Batley and Spen
Paid tribute to the dedication of police officers in West Yorkshire, noting the impact of cuts since 2010 that have led to a loss of 1,200 frontline officers. Highlighted challenges such as increased demand for mental health-related incidents, firearms and serious organised crime, and the complexities of crimes like cyber-crime and human trafficking. Urged for a speedy review of the police funding formula to address these issues. Advocated for measures in the Police Powers and Protections Bill to ensure officer safety and reform perverse tax incentives affecting police pensions.
Peter Aldous
Con
Ipswich
Congratulates Members who made maiden speeches and supports the motion for Suffolk's funding increase, but argues that Suffolk is currently short-changed by the current funding formula. He highlights issues such as low staffing numbers per 1,000 population in policing, higher proportion of workforce dedicated to neighbourhood policing, higher percentage of local taxation spent on policing compared to national average, high elderly population and safeguarding issues, long coastline with crime challenges, limited scope for further savings due to collaboration with Norfolk constabulary, and the case for reviewing funding formula is strong.
Tom Hunt
Lab
Ipswich
Compliments Peter Aldous on his Ipswich Town socks and raises concerns about crime in urban areas of Suffolk. He emphasises the need for proper funding to address real issues in Suffolk's urban areas, especially after a potentially fatal attack in St Matthew’s Street.
Louise Haigh
Lab
Sheffield Heeley
I concur with previous speakers and the maiden speeches made today. My hon. Friend Steve McCabe discussed police staff funding cuts, highlighting the shift to reactive policing over proactive neighbourhood support. Stephen Doughty advocated for Cardiff's capital city status and welcomed the proscription of far-right groups but urged quicker responses from the Government on current concerns. Jack Dromey emphasised the increased demand and toll on officers' mental health, questioning the Minister's perspective on recent funding rollbacks. Jessica Morden praised Welsh Labour’s investment in PCSOs and highlighted equipment funding issues, noting short-termism in the settlement. Holly Lynch addressed complex crime pressures and advocated for reforming the funding formula. Peter Aldous noted unfair consequences of the funding formula affecting Suffolk forces, while Selaine Saxby’s Devon and Cornwall force innovated with digital dogs but faced tourism-related funding challenges. The speaker urges a generational opportunity to change police diversity through recruitment targets, addressing Macpherson report recommendations. Over the past decade, political choices led to increased violent crime, officer and staff losses, and unchecked economic crime. Recruitment efforts are welcomed but criticised for tardiness and insufficient impact on overall numbers. Funding formula inequities exacerbate disparities in force allocations based on serious crime prevalence. The speaker calls for addressing pension costs impacting police recruitment or causing cutbacks elsewhere. Commitment to tackling mental health and wellbeing crises through the forthcoming Police Powers and Protections Bill is requested.
Victoria Atkins
Con
Louth and Horncastle
Expressed support for the police forces, highlighting their dedication, professionalism, and bravery. Acknowledged the changing nature of criminality due to new technology but emphasised that police forces are rising to these challenges. Mentioned the introduction of the wellbeing service and the police covenant as measures to support officers. Emphasised the importance of not just material resources but also sending a clear message of Government support through increased funding, recruitment drive, and commitment to combating serious violence. Highlighted the centenary of women's representation in Parliament with tributes to new female colleagues and predecessors. Reiterated the record-breaking increase in police funding for fighting crime and keeping public safe.
Questioned the Minister’s honesty about the Government's provision of funds, noting that extra national funding is offset by local precept increases, putting areas like his constituency at a disadvantage compared to others in raising money. Asked for transparency regarding these arrangements.
Victoria Atkins
Con
Louth and Horncastle
Clarified the funding formula, explaining that £701 million comes from the Government grant and £248 million could be raised through precept if PCCs take full advantage. Stated that there is no magic money tree and highlighted taxpayers' contributions to police funding.
Victoria Atkins
Con
Louth and Horncastle
Discussed the recruitment of 20,000 additional officers over three years with £750 million allocated for this purpose. Clarified that crime statistics under the previous Mayor's leadership showed improvements in London despite political debate.
Victoria Atkins
Con
Louth and Horncastle
Addressed concerns about the current funding formula, noting its reliability but outdated nature, particularly addressing pressures faced by tourism-dependent constituencies. Mentioned a royal commission on the criminal justice system and further investments for the Crown Prosecution Service and prison places to ensure convicted criminals serve time.
Victoria Atkins
Con
Louth and Horncastle
Discussed the funding for South Wales police, acknowledging an increase of £21.1 million and additional £1.2 million from the serious violence fund. Emphasised the government's commitment to tackling serious violence through legal requirements for collaboration among authorities and allocating £35 million for violence reduction units across 18 police and crime commissioners. Mentioned enhanced stop-and-search powers for over 8,000 officers. Also highlighted plans to strengthen the National Crime Agency and recruit an additional 20,000 officers to combat various forms of crime.
Government Response
Discussed significant funding allocations for police recruitment, technology upgrades, counter-terrorism measures, and serious organised crime fighting. Emphasised the need to hold forces accountable for spending and performance. The Minister emphasised the Government's commitment to improving rural policing through efficiency savings, procurement collaboration, and technology investment. He also acknowledged concerns about online harms and technical capabilities in tackling revenge porn.
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Assessment & feedback
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