PM: Region deserves better from police force

THE Prime Minister says the people of Greater Manchester ‘deserve better’ when it comes to the well-documented failings of their police force.

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, and following two blistering reports from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate about Greater Manchester Police in the space of ten months, Boris Johnson also said it was ‘vital’ that whisteblowers have the confidence to speak up against wrongdoing.

He said: “I do believe that the people of Manchester deserve better.

“It is the responsibility of the Mayor for Greater Manchester to ensure that the police force acts swiftly and decisively to address the failures that his constituents are currently fighting.”

He spoke in response to Mary Robinson, MP for Cheadle, who referenced M.E.N. journalist Jennifer Williams’ investigations into the force.

Ms Robinson said: “The failings of Greater Manchester Police which have led to it being placed in special measures are well documented including the failures to record 80,000 crimes in a single year and those included domestic violence and sexual offence.

“But it’s particularly important that the force addresses what the recent M.E.N. investigation called its ‘culture of denial and secrecy’.”

She added: “After the horrific murder of Sarah Everard it’s crucial that we tackle the corrupt culture.

“Will the Prime Minister join me in calling for GMP to urgently review its internal culture and also will he consider reforming the law on whistleblowing so people in Greater Manchester and other organisations can speak up against wrongdoing in confidence?”

‘Officers see us as an irritant’: Special report – Pages 10 and 11