Stretched and overburdened

New Home Secretary tells angry police ‘I get it’ But there’s no more money to help forces

HOME Secretary Sajid Javid has admitted police feel “stretched, overburdened and not sufficiently rewarded”, but he failed to offer extra funds to help.

In his first major speech since taking office last month, Mr Javid told the Police Federation conference: “I am listening and I get it. I get that there’s increased demand.

“I know it’s frustrating when your rest days get cancelled, often at short notice. And I know your work can take its toll on your mental and physical health. And you deserve to be respected and valued.”

He described how his brother Bas, a Chief Superintendent with West Midlands Police, had been assaulted multiple times and racially abused during his 25-year career.

He said: “For those of you who stand on the front line, be in no doubt I will be standing with you.” He would provide “the tools, powers and the back-up you need to get the job done”.

Mr Javid did not promise extra

Time will tell if he can persuade Treasury to raise police budgets ED DAVEY LIB DEM HOME AFFAIRS SPOKESMAN

funds, but said: “My pledge to you is this, I will prioritise police funding in the Spending Review next year.”

He said he was “determined” to end the “appalling violence that is terminating young lives far too soon”, declaring his support for increased use of stop and search powers after the spate of stabbings and shootings.

Labour said Mr Javid’s comments were “nothing beyond platitudes”. Lib Dem Home Affairs spokesman Ed Davey said: “Warm words are not enough to gain the trust of hardworking police officers who have faced the tough consequences of this Tory Government slashing police budgets and police numbers.

“Violent crime is on the rise and police officers face ever greater danger. We must back them up with the resources they need. Time will tell if he can convince the Treasury to increase police budgets.”