Tory cuts to police “have left our communities exposed” – Diane Abbott MP

Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, commenting
on today’s ONS crime statistics, said:

 “The Tories can no longer hide behind claims that crime is falling
to justify their severe cuts to the police.

 “They have left our communities exposed, with police numbers the
lowest on record at a time when forces are under unprecedented pressure from
surging crime, an ongoing terror threat, and from covering for cuts to other
services.

 “Labour will recruit 10,000 new police officers to restore
neighbourhood policing and tackle rising crime.”