Dr Neil Hudson MP met with the new Cumbria Police Federation Chair and Secretary to discuss the state of policing in the county.
The Police Federation represents the rank and file officers of Cumbria Police and raised issues facing police locally and nationally.
Dr Hudson reiterated his support for officers and looked at how he could better work with police to give local people the best possible service.
The Conservative Government hit its manifesto target of recruiting 20,000 police officers in England and Wales in April. Government also accepted the recommendations of the Police Remuneration Review Body in full with officers receiving pay increases from September.
Funding has also been bolstered with up to £17,613 million for police funding in England and Wales agreed for the financial year ending 31st March 2024.
Dr Neil Hudson MP, said:
“I must first publicly reiterate my sincere thanks to Cumbria Police for all that they do. The police play a vital role in keeping our communities safe and continue to have my full support as they carry out their significant duties.
“Speaking at length with the Chair and Secretary of the Cumbria Police Federation, I am under no illusions about the challenges facing modern policing. Locally, funding and recruitment numbers are up thanks to our Conservative Government, but issues persist and meetings like this are so important in finding collaborative solutions.
“We had really productive discussions about staffing, local policing, rural crime, traffic and much more.”
Jamie McTear, Secretary of Cumbria Police Federation, added:
“Cumbria Police Federation were delighted that Dr Neil Hudson MP accepted an invitation to discuss issues impacting policing in his constituency. We discussed policing conditions, officer morale and national retention issues against an increasingly complex policing environment. Dr Hudson offered his thanks to the officers of Penrith and The Border who respond every day to calls for assistance from members of our community which were gratefully received.
“Cumbria Police Federation look forward to working with Dr Hudson in the future to ensure that the public are afforded the best possible service, whilst also ensuring that police officers’ voices are heard at a local and national level.”
