Kerry McCarthy Labour MP for Bristol East
After 8 hours of Brexit debate in the Chamber last night, I finally got to present my petition calling for Avon and Somerset Police to be properly funded, so that it can tackle crime and also carry out all-important crime prevention work in our local communities. Frontline policing has been hit by Government cuts, and the pressures are beginning to show: recorded crime has risen by 40% in the area covered by Avon and Somerset police, and violent crime has, shockingly, risen by 75% – but fewer criminals are being brought to justice, with the total number of charges having fallen by 26%.
The Government is expected to publish its latest Police funding settlement very soon. I hope it shows it has listened to MPs, and to local police chiefs, who have made it clear that the current funding situation could have serious consequences.
