Blackpool MP welcomes news of 362 extra police officers in Lancashire

Blackpool South MP Scott Benton has welcomed the announcement that 362 police officers have been recruited in Lancashire since September 2019.

The latest figures are part of the Conservative Government’s drive to get 20,000 more police officers on the street by March 2023.

The latest figures also show that the police are more representative of the communities they serve. There are now more female police officers than since records began with over 50,000 women in forces across England and Wales. Of the recruits hired since April 2020, 42.5 per cent are women.

Commenting, Scott Benton MP said: “I work closely with Lancashire Constabulary, and I know how hard they work every day to keep the streets of Blackpool South safe.

‘’An additional 362 police on our streets will play a huge role in pursing criminals, keeping neighbourhoods safe, protecting victims, and reassuring the law-abiding majority.

‘’This Conservative Government is delivering on its promises to the British people – showing it is only the Conservatives that can be trusted to keep Britain’s streets safe.”

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: “As Home Secretary my first priority is to protect the British public from harm and I am absolutely steadfast in my determination to drive down crime.

‘’That’s why I am delighted the government is on track to deliver 20,000 additional police officers by March 2023, with 15,343 already recruited to bring criminals to justice.

‘’This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for forces to become more representative of the communities they serve and I am heartened to see there are now over 50,000 women in forces across England and Wales for the first time.

‘’With the extra officers recruited I want to continue to see forces doubling down on tackling murder, serious violence and neighbourhood crimes which tear communities apart.”