Cuts To Police Numbers a Worrying Sign of What's To Come - Huhne

12.53.00pm GMT Thu 28th Jan 2010

Commenting on figures showing the number of police officers has fallen in most forces, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"This is a worrying sign of what is to come as budgets are cut and numbers fall in over half of all police forces.

"Instead of squandering billions on ID cards, the Government should concentrate on getting more police officers out on the beat.

"The Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to increasing police numbers of every area of the country. It is time for the other parties to come clean about their plans."

Rosie Sharpley said, "We have already seen Surrey Police struggling to maintain services, closing stations and the shameful Council Tax rebilling. Chris Huhne is right, we need to cut bureaucracy and get policemen out on the streets."