MPcallsforincreasein numberofpolice

Stirling MP Stephen Kerr has urged the Scottish Government to increase the number of frontline police officers.

In a letter to Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf, Mr Kerr asked for an assurance that extra police officers pledged in England and Wales would be reflected in Scotland through the Barnett formula.

He wrote: “As a result of the 20,000 extra police officers announced for England and Wales recently there will be a signficant financial benefit for Scotland under the Barnett forumla consequentials arrangements.

“I am seeking an assurance that this extra finance will be used for the benefit of Police Scotland and significantly increase the number of frontline officers available to the service.”

Responding to Mr Kerr’s letter earlier this month, Mr Yousaf said police numbers in Scotland had increased by 1000 since the SNP came to power in 2007. He said that contrasted with “Westminster-led austerity” which resulted in the cutting of 19,000 officers in England and Wales.

He added: “While additional funding might be welcome, the spending round annoumcements do not reverse the damage done by a decade of UK Government austerity. This is now being compounded by the threat presented by a nodeal EU exit to our economy and public finances. This funding flowing to Scotland from the UK Spending Round announcements will be considered as part of the ongoing Scottish budget process which is being led by the cabinet secretary for finance, economy and fair work.” Commenting on Mr Yousaf’s response, Mr Kerr criticised what he called the ‘complacency’ of the Scottish Government.

“Police desperately need more frontline officers with antisocial behaviour, especially drug crime, on the rise,” he added. “The SNP need to realise that people want real crimes investigated and criminals taken off the street. Their reforms have undermined the police, replaced back office staff with police officers and created chaos in the justice system. Instead of responding constructively Mr Yousaf seeks to avoid the issue and even has the nerve to mention a no deal Brexit when SNP MPs have voted against a deal at every opportunity.”