Labour MP slams government after more than 1,500 Greater Manchester Police officers cut

By Gareth Westmorland

The government have been slammed after it was revealed 1,520 Greater Manchester Police officers will be cut.

Criticism has come from numerous corners as the GMP said it must make cuts worth £134m by 2015, shedding around 3,000 posts in the process.

But the recent government announcement has angered Andrew Gwynne MP, Labour MP for Denton and Reddish and member of the Shadow Health cabinet, who was shocked at the figures.

“David Cameron said frontline policing would not be hit by his huge 20% cuts to our force, but the truth is that 913 frontline officers are being cut,” Mr Gwynne said.

“We recognise savings need to be made, but the Government has doubled Labour’s cuts to police funding, and made the steepest cuts in the first two years. That’s not an attack on waste, that’s an attack on the police.

Mr Gwynne added: “Neighbourhood officers, 999 response and traffic police are being cut right across the country, 293 of these visible officers are being lost in Greater Manchester.

Just earlier this month, one superintendent from Greater Manchester Police feared that the summer riots that tore apart Manchester and Salford last summer could happen again due to the force budget cuts.

Local Labour Police and Crime Commissioner Candidate Tony Lloyd said: “The Tory-led Government are cutting our local police, making it harder not easier to fight crime.

“Tory Police and Crime Commissioner Candidates will be cheerleaders for cutting our local police. They support these cuts and are failing to stand up for our communities.

Ian Hanson, chairman of the Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: “This is the reality of what the cuts look like. For the last 18 months the Government has been telling us it won’t affect the front line. This shows it will.

Dep Chf Con Ian Hopkins defended the announcement whilst maintaining the budget cuts had made £63 million in savings without impacting on frontline policing.

“What is more important is how those officers spend their time and whether their effort is resulting in reduced crime and improved service,” he said.

Advertisement

For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.

I think that Mr Keith Geary,

I think that Mr Keith Geary, needs to look at his own political views and motoiatvins before commenting on other's political views. And if they are politically motivated, it is because we have views that are not about the privatisation of education, and removing any local accountability from the local community and Council. The self-aggrandizing of a superhead , with the complicit approval of a Board of Governors who purport to act in the interest of the community, deserves to be questioned and challenged. Mr Jack Brown artist in residence at Tidemill School, and a Pro Academy Teacher explicitly said that the financial system were sound-this has been found to wanting in the light of recent developments, and me thinks, about the purely politically inspired comment Mr Keith Geary refers to when talking about the temporary withdrawal by the Board of Governors attempt to make Tidemill an Academy School. And academies are not a political issue? Mr Michael Gove thinks not!, there are political intentions. Big business is looking to get peice of the action! Do we want the Carpet Empire of Harris' running our schools? I choose to think that there are larger forces at work other than Mr Keith Geary or Mr Mark Elms.I am also intrigued by Mr Keith Geary comment We know what the challenge is against the plans . What are they? In the interest of democracy? Is the new plan about waiting till the furore dies down and rushing it through, and hoping that no one notices?This was supposed to be a straightforward process, as we have had to hear on many occasions from Mr Mark Elms and Mr Keith Geary and their various voice-pieces.And for someone who knows I am perplexed at their inability to add up or at least check that the figures were true.

Post new comment

Other news

Soldier hacked to death in Woolwich suspected terror attack named as Greater Manchester man Lee Rigby

Comments 0 | Read more ...

Family doctor's 'dark side' exposed: Altrincham man jailed over horrific rape and sexual abuse of schoolgirl, 10

Comments 0 | Read more ...

Big name sponsors on board for Manchester Day Parade as organisers hope to replicate economy cash boost

Comments 1 | Read more ...

Other sport

Midas touch: Match of the Day’s Mark Lawrenson backs Manuel Pellegrini to lead Manchester City into future

Comments 0 | Read more ...

Ronny Johnsen admits 'lucky to play' with David Beckham at Manchester United and praises his love of football

Comments 0 | Read more ...

Not just a wingman: Danny Welbeck believes central role would reap rewards for Manchester United

Comments 0 | Read more ...

Other features

Theatre review: Carnaby Street The Musical @ Manchester Opera House

Comments 4 | Read more ...

MM’s top five...Off the beaten track Manchester tourist gems

Comments 1 | Read more ...

Manchester’s Unsung Heroes: Meet 'godsent' dog who devoted life to helping city's most vulnerable

Comments 0 | Read more ...

Other regulars

The £10 Challenge: Find out more about a British institution – and spot a celeb, if you’re lucky

Comments 0 | Read more ...

Best of the North West: Line-up revealed for Manchester235's new music night 'Northern Sessions' launch

Comments 0 | Read more ...

MM’s Cheap Eats: Sweet and sticky pork with coleslaw

Comments 0 | Read more ...