Stephen Morgan MP has written to Sajid Javid urging him to reverse funding cuts of his predecessor
MP for Portsmouth South today wrote to the new Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, within hours of his appointment to lobby for him to make amends for the failings of his predecessor and deliver fairer funding for police in Portsmouth.
The city has seen a 10% rise in crime and lost 1,000 officers with Hampshire Constabulary’s budget set to be slashed by a further £25 million over the next four years.
Mr Morgan wrote ‘My city’s streets have seen a rise in break-ins and violent crime, and these cuts are inevitably affecting our police officers’ ability to do their jobs safely and effectively.’
‘Officer numbers are at record lows and, as the thin blue line gets ever thinner, our city is looking to you to reverse the unprecedented funding cuts of your predecessor…Our city’s police officers, and the communities they serve, are depending on it.’
Mr Morgan also called for Government scrutiny of Tory Police and Crime Commissioner, Michael Lane, who last month was subject to an unprecedented 98% no confidence vote by Hampshire officers.
The Portsmouth South MP wrote, ‘I’m sure they, and the people of Portsmouth, would be interested to know whether this dismay is shared by yourself. Your department has previously challenged how much Mr Lane has kept in reserve but regrettably done little about it.’
Stephen Morgan, said:
‘With £25 million in savings still to come, and a thousand officers lost, our city deserves a Home Secretary with a grasp of the impact cuts are having on the frontline, and who is willing to act.
It remains to be seen whether Mr Javid is this man, but I’ll stop at nothing in fighting for Portsmouth, our police force, and the communities they so bravely serve.’
