News from Southampton Labour

Denham and Whitehead warn of Tory cuts to police

Southampton Itchen Labour MPs John Denham and Alan Whitehead have jointly criticised Conservative spending plans which would see cuts, equivalent to 98 fewer police officers, in Hampshire Constabulary.
 
It follows the announcement by David Cameron that he intends to restrict the Home Office’s budget to a 1 per cent real terms increase for 2009/10, which would require a cut of £160 million in just three months’ time.

John Denham, MP for Southampton Itchen, said:

“98 fewer police officers in Hampshire would be a devastating blow for Southampton. I wonder what Mr Cameron’s colleagues in Southampton would say to their constituents to justify these cuts? I urge them to leave our police alone and tell us where their cuts would fall.”

Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test, said:

“Labour is committed to making sure there’s a visible police presence on our streets. Unfortunately, David Cameron cannot say the same. His plans for sudden cuts in the Home Office budget would be equivalent to slashing the number of police officers in England & Wales by more than 3500.”

Other news from Southampton Labour

• Water bills hiked as Southampton Council and Southern Water waste public money - 2 February 2012
• Southampton Labour MPs urge constituents to claim free heating and insulation help - 1 February 2012
• Welfare changes hit poorest areas in Southampton hardest - 1 February 2012