Liberal Democrats - Will invest To Restore Community Policing in Medway Towns
Liberal Democrats have 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.
Alan Bullion, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Rainham and Gillingham 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:
- Knife crime up 80% since 2015: Crime in England and Wales: year ending June 2019
- 248 fatal stabbings in the year to June 2019: Crime in England and Wales: year ending June 2019
- Robberies up by 76% since 2015: Crime in England and Wales: year ending June 2019
- Only 8% of crimes result in someone being charged, down from 15% in 2014-15: Crime outcomes in England and Wales 2018 to 2019
- Additional Notes for Editors: Alan Bullion
Alan Bullion works in London for a publishing company and commutes from High Brooms station, where he successfully campaigned for a second ticket machine, as well as more capacity and fairer fares for rail and bus travellers. Alan is a former school Governor and pupil of Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, and is chair of its Alumni society.
Alan has long been active on a number of issues, such as defending recreation and sports facilities against development. Delivering additional school places and keeping social care to support older people.
Alan has focused on issues such as safer streets and 20mph zones, especially around schools and building up care at local hospitals. Alan also is a great believer in life-long learning, having done degrees with the Open University and Southampton as a mature student.