Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, along with five other chief constables, warned that the government's anti-crime pledges, such as restoring neighbourhood policing and halving knife crime, will not be met without substantial extra funding in the upcoming spending review. He cited a decade of underinvestment, new pressures, and 'overstretched' forces.
Sir Mark Rowley: Met chief warns anti-crime pledges need funding
PolicingKeir StarmerMetropolitan Police Service
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, along with five other chief constables, warned that the government's anti-crime pledges, such as restoring neighbourhood policing and halving knife crime, will not be met without substantial extra funding in the upcoming spending review. He cited a decade of underinvestment, new pressures, and 'overstretched' forces.
Trending- 1 A decade of underinvestment in police forces.
- 2 Earlier this year: Some forces (Lincolnshire, Essex) warned of cuts to existing officers due to funding levels.
- 3 Earlier this year: Lincolnshire Police and Essex Police reversed plans after a funding package from the government.
- 4 Wednesday: Sir Mark Rowley co-wrote an editorial for The Times warning about funding.
- 5 Next month (June 11): Chancellor Rachel Reeves is due to deliver her spending review.
- Potential failure to meet government crime pledges.
- Continued structural inefficiencies in policing.
- Possible cuts to existing officers if funding is not increased.
What: Sir Mark Rowley, head of the Metropolitan Police, and five other chief constables warned that the government's anti-crime pledges (e.g., restoring neighbourhood policing, halving knife crime, reducing violence against women and girls) are unattainable without significant additional funding for policing in the next spending review.
When: Wednesday (editorial published), next month (spending review on June 11), ongoing (decade of underinvestment).
Where: England and Wales (police forces), London (Metropolitan Police).
Why: Police forces are 'overstretched,' 'saddled with debt, broken buildings and out-dated technology' due to a decade of underinvestment. They face increasing demand, social volatility (like riots), and pressures from emergency prisoner releases. Without investment, structural inefficiencies will persist, and government pledges cannot be delivered.
How: Sir Mark Rowley co-wrote an editorial for The Times with five chief constables. He previously warned of 'eye-watering choices.' The Home Office responded by stating it is backing the police with increased funding.