Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Police Officer Numbers

Wednesday 21 April 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK Government supports the PSNI and welcomes additional funding of 12.3 million for staffing.
  • The allocation of PSNI funding is an operational matter for the Chief Constable and the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
  • The UK Government acknowledges the commitment to 7,500 officers and is willing to support a business plan put forward by the Chief Constable.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Policing & Resources Northern Ireland
Context

The question arises from concern about the impact of recent budget decisions on policing resources, particularly after incidents of unrest.

Question

What assessment has the Government made of the potential effect of Budget 2021 on police officer numbers in Northern Ireland? The Minister will know that there were recent incidents of unrest and it is concerning for communities to see a reduction in police presence. I am seeking clarity on how the budget might impact policing resources.

Answer from Robin Walker

The UK Government fully support the excellent work of the PSNI and welcome the additional £12.3 million allocated for staffing. However, how the PSNI allocates its funding is an operational matter for the Chief Constable, in consultation with the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific assessment requested about Budget 2021's impact on police officer numbers was not provided. The answer focused on general support and additional funding rather than addressing the direct question.

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Q2 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Policing & Resources Northern Ireland
Context

There is a core commitment for the parties in the Executive under New Decade, New Approach to increase officer numbers by 7,500. However, there are concerns about meeting this target.

Question

Given that 7,500 officers was a core commitment of New Decade, New Approach and considering the vital importance of neighbourhood policing in tackling disorder, what steps will the Government take to ensure that commitment is met? The Minister has acknowledged this as a crucial goal but questions remain about how it will be achieved.

Answer from Robin Walker

The hon. Gentleman is right: this was a commitment for the parties in the Executive under New Decade, New Approach. The Secretary of State has spoken to the Chief Constable and made clear that if he puts together a business plan, we will work with the Department of Justice to support it. We stand ready to support them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While acknowledging the commitment and readiness to support, the specific steps required to meet the 7,500 officers target were not detailed. The response was vague on concrete measures.

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