Five former ex-Met Police Chiefs have warned that British policing resources have been “drained to dangerously low levels”.
In response, Chairman of the London Assembly Police & Crime Committee, Unmesh Desai AM, said:
“UK police forces, and particularly the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), have been under immense pressure in recent years.
“The letter today comes as no surprise as we know that due to budget reductions, the police service is under more strain than ever. UK police forces need the right investment to take on the many challenges that they are facing, from violent crime to terrorism.
“Police officers have one of the hardest jobs in the country and without this investment, they will not be able to tackle the crime levels that we currently see in London. The London Assembly Police and Crime Committee will continue to urge the Government to ensure that London receives funding that fully reflects its needs.”
Notes to editors
- Yesterday, the Assembly agreed a unanimous motion calling on the Government to fully fund the cost of any pay rise announced in the 2019/20 police pay awards.
- Letters from the Assembly to the Home Office on police funding - July 2017 & September 2018
- Unmesh Desai AM, Chairman of the Police & Crime Committee is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the Police & Crime Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor