Local MP Julian Knight has rallied Conservative MPs from across the West Midlands to oppose plans by Labour’s Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, to slash community police stations.
Six local MPs have signed his letter urging the PCC to “short-sighted and unnecessary” decision and “use your new powers – or substantial reserves – to protect our local police stations.” They are:
- Julian Knight MP (Solihull)
- Rt. Hon Dame Caroline Spelman MP (Meriden)
- Rt. Hon Andrew Mitchell MP (Sutton Coldfield)
- Margot James MP (Stourbridge)
- James Morris MP (Halesowen & Rowley Regis)
- Wendy Morton MP (Aldridge-Brownhills)
The MPs point out that, thanks to their lobbying efforts, West Midlands Police will see an increase in funding of £9.5 million from the Government, on top of Jamieson’s £100 million cash reserves, and highlight the PCC’s decision to spend £33 million renovating Lloyd House, his own headquarters.
Julian has also strongly criticised the PCC for trying to push the plans through without proper consultation – Jamieson originally provided no way for the public to provide feedback and has given other stakeholders only 18 working days to respond.
Commenting on news, Julian Knight said:
“Local police stations are at the very heart of responsive community policing. At a time when West Midlands MPs have secured millions of pounds of extra police funding, it’s ridiculous that Solihull will be left without a single station in the entire borough.
“A town of Solihull’s size and distinct character needs a proper police station embedded in the community. My colleagues and I are determined not to allow him to ignore the concerns of local residents.”