MARGARET Greenwood MP has spoken out in parliament about the impact that government cuts to policing since 2010 are having on local communities.  

Speaking in a debate which was called by Labour, she highlighted figures from the House of Commons Library which show that, in 2010, there were more than 4,500 police officers on Merseyside. By 2019, there were fewer than 3,400 – over 1,100 less than in 2010. Numbers have started to increase again, but, as of last year, Merseyside was still short of around 450 officers compared with 2010. 

The Wirral West MP also raised concerns about the impact that crime is having on children and young people. She spoke about young people from the Woodchurch estate who recently took part in a Theatre for Democracy event organised by the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). One of the issues raised by the young people was that of crime, and a statement which was provided by the group from LIPA who worked with the children spoke of how some of them, aged 10 to 14, were feeling scared and helpless. 

Speaking after the debate, Margaret Greenwood MP said: “These young people have a right to feel safe and the government is failing them.  

“I know that people in Wirral West, and across Wirral, are extremely concerned following a recent spate of horrific and violent crimes. 

“These crimes have devastated families and left communities damaged and anxious for themselves, their loved ones and the future. 

“I pay tribute to police officers and police community support officers in Wirral West – and across the country – for the work they do, often in extremely difficult circumstances. 

“The Conservatives have been responsible for the loss of hundreds of police officers across Merseyside since they came to power. We have 450 fewer officers than in 2010. 

“This has meant the loss of a great deal of experience and intelligence, and it has left remaining officers under increased pressure.  

“We need investment in policing so that officers are properly resourced and so that our communities can feel safe. 

“We urgently need a Labour government that will rebuild neighbourhood policing and deliver 13,000 extra neighbourhood officers and police community support officers, putting police back on the beat.”