Lib Dem MP challenges Government on Met Police cuts as Southwark faces rising crime

Liberal Democrat London Spokesperson Luke Taylor MP has challenged the Government over cuts to the Metropolitan Police during Prime Minister’s Questions, warning that Londoners are being left less safe as officer numbers fall and police counters close. 

The Deputy Prime Minister refused to acknowledge that frontline officer numbers are dropping, high street teams are being reduced and 24/7 police front counters are being shut across London, including in Southwark where the Walworth Front Counter has had its opening hours slashed. 

Southwark now has the fifth highest level of crime in London and one of the worst records for phone thefts, yet both the Labour Mayor and the Labour Government are pressing ahead with plans that will see 1,419 police officers and staff removed from London’s streets. 

Earlier in October, Luke Taylor joined Southwark Liberal Democrats on a walkaround with local police to discuss the issues with drug taking, phone theft, and safety for women and girls in Southwark.  

Liberal Democrat councillors will bring a motion to the next Council Assembly calling for cleaner and safer streets. The motion will double the number of Community Safety Officers, invest in better street lighting, and call on the Mayor of London to reverse the decision to close the Walworth Police Front Counter at night. 

Luke Taylor and London Liberal Democrats are continuing to push for the Met Police to receive its fair share of national police funding and for community policing to be restored as a visible, trusted presence across the capital. 

Cllr Rachel Bentley, Deputy Leader of Southwark Liberal Democrats, said: 

"Londoners are being failed twice over by a Labour Mayor who has broken his promise to keep 24-hour police counters open and by a Labour Government that is turning a blind eye to the consequences. 

Here in Southwark, residents tell us they feel less safe, but instead of investing in community policing we are seeing facilities closed and teams cut back. 

The Liberal Democrats are standing up for safer streets, stronger neighbourhood policing and a fair deal for London."