Corbyn promises 1,000 new spy jobs in the wake of Manchester attack
Labour would recruit 1,000 more security personnel across intelligence agencies MI5, MI6 and GCHQ as part of a range of measures to prevent terrorism, Jeremy Corbyn has announced.
The promise is in keeping with other aspects of Labour’s manifesto, including a pledged to create 10,000 new police officers, more firefighters and borderguards, and stands in stark contrast to the Conservatives,
who have reduced police numbers by an estimated 20,000 since taking office in 2010, in budget cuts totalling £2.3bn.
The parry would also increase resources for schools, colleges and local councils to identify radicalisation in their communities, and move to protect those at risk from it. Mr Corbyn said: “Ensuring the safety of our communities demands properly resourced action across many fronts. It means upholding and enforcing our individual rights, promoting community relations, supporting our emergency services, tackling and preventing crime and protecting us from danger, including threats of terror and violence.
“Only a Labour government will meet these challenges. As we set out in our manifesto earlier this month, Labour will recruit additional police officers, additional firefighters, additional prison officers and additional border guards. We will also legislate to ensure safe staffing levels in the NHS, including for our ambulance services. Today, I am announcing that Labour will also increase staffing levels at the security and intelligence agencies – GCHQ, SIS and MI5 – in order to better ensure our collective safety."
Convincing the public that Labour are the party of law and order will not be easy, not least as, before becoming shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell signed and was photographed holding a manifesto published by an organisation called Labour Campaign for Socialist Victory, one of whose policies was to close down MI5 altogether.
Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, dismissed the plans as “undeliverable”. Ms Rudd said: “Jeremy Corbyn can promise what he likes, but can’t deliver anything because his sums don't add up and he isn’t up to the job of keeping Britain safe. To protect our country and fund public services we need a Prime Minister who will defend our national security and get Brexit negotiations right.”
A Conservative source added: “Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott spent decades opposing the security services and voting against the powers they need to protect us. It’s the height of cynicism they are now pretending to back them.”