UK Parliament / Open data

Policing and Crime Bill

Proceeding contribution from Andy Burnham (Labour) in the House of Commons on Monday, 7 March 2016. It occurred during Debate on bills on Policing and Crime Bill.

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that cybercrime or online crime is one of the biggest challenges that we face, but there would probably be agreement across the Floor of the House that, among the 43 police forces in England and Wales, there is not yet the capability to investigate cybercrime. That is an issue for everybody. My question is how those forces will develop that capability if they face year upon year of real-terms cuts? I just do not think that that is sustainable.

The hon. Gentleman must also think about public safety and the cuts to fire services. There are cuts to the fire service in London and thousands of the number of firefighters, pumps and stations is being cut all over the country. Thousands more are set to go following a local government settlement that has inflicted the biggest cuts on urban areas. The embarrassing truth for Ministers is that if their northern powerhouse catches fire, there will be no one there to put it out.

About this proceeding contribution

Reference

607 c50 

Session

2015-16

Chamber / Committee

House of Commons chamber
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