Jack Dromey MP, Labour’s Shadow Police Minister, commenting on the Home Secretary’s speech on police diversity today, said:

“It is right that the police must look like the people they serve if they are to gain the trust and support of communities. However, many forces in the UK have already said that under the severe cuts proposed by the Tories they will not be able to recruit until 2019 at the earliest.

“17,000 police officers have already been lost under the Tories, with warnings from senior officers of thousands more set to go. Under such extreme financial pressure, it is unclear how the Home Secretary thinks that the police can engage in positive recruitment measures to tackle this crucial issue. 

“The police must act, but it is extremely difficult for forces to improve diversity and to carry on protecting communities whilst the Tories continue on their mission to slash police funding and hollow out the police service.”