Police chiefs letter: police and criminal justice systems need “real leadership” say Lib Dems

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Responding to the six police chiefs’ letter to the Times today warning of the consequences of underinvestment in the police system, Josh Babarinde MP, Liberal Democrat Justice Spokesperson, said:

“Across the country, people will be worried sick by what we’ve heard over the last 24 hours, wondering how real-terms policing cuts and early release schemes will impact them and their families.

“Years of mismanagement and neglect under the Conservatives ran our policing and criminal justice systems into the ground - but this is proof that the Labour government has failed to step up and tackle the scale of the problem in response.

“Our policing and criminal justice systems need to be working hand-in-hand, not in silos. It’s high time that the Government shows some real leadership by bringing together police chiefs and criminal justice chiefs ahead of the Spending Review to ensure that both systems have the resources they need to keep our communities safe."

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Please see the letter here: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/article/police-reform-and-justice-for-victims-is-at-risk-without-investment-tjsj3dj53?region=global