Debbie attacks new police cuts

A GOVERNMENT plan to cut thousands more police officer jobs across the country has been attacked by Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams.

The Police Grant Report proposes a reduction in the force numbers that have already declined in the past four years. Greater Manchester Police has lost more than 1,300 officers since March 2010.

Mrs Abrahams said: “We are facing a choice between further reductions of police numbers or the safeguarding of local police jobs.

“We need a police service responsive to the needs of our local communities but this Government seems bent on destroying neighbourhood policing.”

The Association of Chief Police Officers said Coalition plans mean cutting 34,000 more police jobs over the next five years.

Mrs Abrahams continued: “Labour would mandate national procurement to save forces over £100 million in 2015/16, instigate full-cost recovery for gun licences saving forces £20 million and scrap the Police and Crime Commissioner elections scheduled for May next year.”