Sadiq Khan commits to adding 1,300 new police officers, contingent on a Labour Government

Sadiq Khan, running for a third term as mayor of London, has promised to increase neighbourhood policing numbers by “around 1,300” officers if both he and the Labour party win the next general election. The Met Police in London was the only force in England and Wales to miss their recruitment targets last year, falling short by over 1,000 officers. Khan’s Tory opponent, Susan Hall, has criticized him for this failure, but Khan argues that there were several reasons for the shortfall, including tighter vetting requirements and concerns over salary levels during a cost of living crisis in London.

Hall has pledged to invest £200 million into the police force and bring back borough-based policing if elected, promising to stop police stations from closing, create safe spaces for women, and provide funding for scan and search operations in knife-crime hotspots. The additional officers announced by Khan will come from a pool of 13,000 extra officers nationwide, with funding coming from savings identified by the Police Foundation think tank. Labour plans to ensure these savings are invested in neighbourhood policing across the country, although further funding for the Met under a Labour government would only come after the economy is growing strongly, as funding is currently tight for public services.

Khan’s promise to increase neighbourhood policing numbers in London has been met with criticism from his opponent, who blames him for the failure of the Met Police to recruit enough officers last year. Khan, on the other hand, cites various factors for the shortfall and argues that a Labour government is needed to guarantee a restoration of neighbourhood policing. Susan Hall has made her own pledges to invest in the police force and bring back borough-based policing if elected, promising to take action to make the streets safer and combat crime in London. Funding for the additional officers announced by Khan will come from savings within policing budgets identified by the Police Foundation think tank.

The mayoral election in London is set for May 2, along with elections to the London Assembly. Khan and the Labour party have made boosting neighbourhood policing numbers a key part of their campaign, but the outcome of the election will ultimately determine whether these promises will be fulfilled. With both candidates highlighting the importance of tackling crime and making the streets safer in London, voters will have a choice between two different approaches to law enforcement and community safety in the upcoming election. Ultimately, the future of neighbourhood policing in London will depend on the outcome of the election and the priorities of the elected mayor and government.