Javid clears way for more stop and search

SAJID JAVID has backed greater use of stop and search and has pledged more money for the police as he seeks to reset the relationship between the Government and the service.

In his first major speech since taking up his new job as Home Secretary three weeks ago, Mr Javid told the Police Federation conference, he wanted to give them the “tools and powers” they needed to do the job.

He said he recognised they were feeling “stretched and overburdened” and said he would prioritise police funding in next year’s spending review.

Three years ago Theresa May, told rank-and-file officers to “stop crying wolf ” over the impact of cuts.

But signalling his determination to take a different approach, Mr Javid said: “I am listening and I get it… I want you to have the resources you need.”

In remarks warmly received by the Birmingham audience, Mr Javid put himself at odds with Mrs May over the use of stop and search. He said he believed it was a vital tool for tackling the current surge in violent crime. “I have confidence in your professional judgment,” Mr Javid added. “So let me be clear – I support the use of stop and search. Evidence shows that if you’re black, you’re more likely to be a homicide victim than from any other ethnic group. If stop and search can mean saving lives from the communities most affected, then that has to be right.”

Mr Javid – whose brother, Bas, is a chief superintendent with West Midlands Police – also received applause for saying he endorsed the use of controversial spit hoods. Chief constables have discretion over whether to deploy the hoods, but at least 10 forces – including the Met – have not approved their use due to fears over how they will be perceived by the public.

But Mr Javid said he thought it was “ridiculous” that any chief constable would place public perception over the protection of officers.

While falling short of offering any guarantees about increases in funding, the Mr Javid said: “We need to think more about long-term funding of the police. I will prioritise police funding in the spending review next year.” He also acknowledged that cutting resources could have an impact on crime rates, something Amber Rudd, his predecessor, had denied. He said: “If you haven’t got the resources then clearly that can have an impact.”

Mr Javid said he wanted to improve relations between the police and the Tories, under whom officer numbers have fallen by 20,000. He said: “Let’s reset the relationship between the Government and the police. I will give you the tools and the backup that you need to do the job done. For those of you who stand on the front line, be in no doubt, I will be standing with you.” The Home Office came under fire again yesterday after a former town mayor was denied citizenship despite living in Britain for nearly 40 years. Inga Lockington, from Denmark, served as mayor of Ipswich in 2007. She was granted indefinite leave to remain after marrying Dr Tim Lockington, but decided to apply for citizenship after Brexit. The Home Office rejected the application, citing a lack of evidence of her permanent residency.