Tulip Siddiq MP

• THERE are few politicians who would argue that our criminal justice system is in good shape. In my parliamentary inbox, violent crime is arguably the most pressing concern.

Moped-crime, violent robberies and drug-related criminality have left many of those I represent feeling utterly helpless. I therefore read the government’s latest “law and order” announcements with keen interest.

With initial support from the Liberal Demo­crats, the Conservatives oversaw a reduction of 19,000 police across England and Wales between 2010-2016.

Given this, it is a shame Boris Johnson’s promise of 20,000 “new” police officers by 2022 will just about bring us to the presence of policing experienced under the last Labour government.

Nobody should be fooled by the con at the heart of his announcement. The same applies for announcements regarding the Crown Prosecution Service.

Many constituents have expressed their anxieties that so few cases seem to be making it to court. The prime minister’s “remedy” is to offer £85million over two years to the CPS.

However, experts are clear that £42.5million per year (for two years only) won’t even scratch the surface of the problems affecting the CPS.

With the 2018-19 CPS budget £250million less in real terms than in 2010, the new PM should be commended for recognising the impact of policies that he has supported over the past decade, but he should be castigated for offering such a paltry sum.

The Conservatives have cut our criminal justice system to the bone. With a possible election on the horizon, this is a desperate attempt to convince the public that the situation on our streets is not of the government’s making. No one should be fooled.

TULIP SIDDIQ MP
Labour,
Hampstead & Kilburn