Jack Dromey MP, Labour’s Shadow Policing Minister, responding to Theresa May’s speech today on the PCC anniversary, said:

“Labour was critical of the Government’s decision to spend £100 million of taxpayers’ money on Police and Crime Commissioner elections at the same time as cutting 15,000 police officers.

“There is a clear need for accountability but, one year on, the concerns we raised about the role of PCCs and the Government’s rushed reforms to policing remain. Now, even the Home Secretary has come to acknowledge some of our criticisms of her flagship policy.

“The task now is for a sensible debate on how best we ensure democratic accountability of a police service rooted in the communities they serve. That is why the Stevens Report is so important.”