Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Police Funding

Wednesday 6 September 2023 · 5 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Discussions have been held regarding the funding issue for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
  • The UK Government provides additional funding for counter-terrorism work through the additional security funding programme.
  • The Government supports the PSNI in responding to the data breach with specialist support from across government.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Policing & Resources Northern Ireland
Context

The Police Service of Northern Ireland faces significant budgetary pressures that could result in the loss of more than 1,000 officers by 2025. The force is already understaffed, and a recent data leak has further exacerbated security concerns.

Question

What recent discussions have been held with the Police Service of Northern Ireland on the potential impact of changes in funding levels for policing in Northern Ireland on crime? What steps are being taken to ease these budgetary pressures during this challenging period?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

Discussions have been held regarding the funding issue. The Department of Justice has a total allocation of £1.2 billion for 2023-24, with additional UK contributions to counter-terrorism efforts through the additional security funding programme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about easing budgetary pressures was not directly addressed.

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Q2 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Policing & Resources Northern Ireland
Context

The Police Service of Northern Ireland is facing severe budgetary pressures, with the risk of losing more than 1,000 officers by 2025. These issues are compounded by a recent data leak that has undermined morale.

Question

With the force at lower-than-ideal numbers and the recent data leak likely to have an impact, what discussions is the Secretary of State having with the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland and the PSNI about how these pressures can be eased during this difficult time?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I had a number of conversations with the former chief constable. The UK Government provides additional funding for counter-terrorism work through the additional security funding programme, contributing £32 million in 2022-23.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about easing budgetary pressures was not directly addressed.

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Q3 Simon Hoare Con North Dorset
Policing & Resources Northern Ireland Community Security
Context

A data breach involving the Police Service of Northern Ireland has raised concerns about national security, particularly for officers working with counter-terrorism and intelligence units.

Question

Will he assure the House that whatever resources are required by the PSNI, not only to fulfil its function but to protect its own officers and staff, will be made available?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The Government supports the PSNI in responding to the data breach. The focus remains on providing specialist support and expertise from across government.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about necessary resources was not directly addressed.

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Q4 Jeffrey M. Donaldson DUP
Policing & Resources
Context

A data breach has caused a loss of confidence within the Police Service of Northern Ireland, particularly regarding leadership and management.

Question

Does he agree that perhaps what we need now is for someone with experience and leadership credentials to be brought in as an interim chief constable to take control of this situation?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The senior management team is strong and effective. The Policing Board has launched a review into its operations, and questions are being asked about potential actions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about an interim leader was not directly addressed.

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Q5 Jeffrey M. Donaldson DUP
Policing & Resources Defence
Context

A recent data breach has raised concerns about the safety and morale of police in Northern Ireland, particularly those involved with counter-terrorism.

Question

Can he assure me that he will do all he can to deliver safety equipment, protection, and security for those who are feeling most vulnerable at this time?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I will continue to work closely with the senior leadership team to ensure that officers receive full Government support in responding to the data breach. The focus remains on providing specialist support from across government.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about safety equipment and protection was not directly addressed.

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