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Today, the Conservatives have announced a clear and decisive plan to recruit 8,000 more police officers, all with the full power of arrest.
This bold action builds on the significant progress we've made since 2019, during which we have already recruited 20,000 new police officers, including 351 new officers in Derbyshire.
The next Conservative Government is committed to having every police ward in England and Wales staffed with a new police officer, totalling 8,000 by 2028. This initiative is funded by removing the student discount for the Immigration Health Surcharge and increasing all visa fees by 25 per cent.
The new officers will focus on their local neighbourhoods, working directly within communities to build trust and enhance safety. This approach, combined with our successful hot spot policing programme, will significantly contribute to making communities safer and more secure. We have already seen the benefits of the hot spot police funding that I secured in Erewash – anti-social behaviour has reduced thanks to extra police presence.
While the Conservatives have a comprehensive and fully funded plan, Labour’s pledge to recruit more police officers is unfunded and insufficient. Their plan will only result in an additional 3,000 officers with full arrest powers, far short of what is needed to effectively tackle crime and ensure public safety.
The Conservatives’ plan demonstrates our unwavering commitment to law and order and our dedication to making every community a safer place to live. By investing in more police officers and focusing on local policing, the Conservatives are taking the necessary steps to build a safer future for all.