Police forces need the Government’s support more now than ever before
The police and other emergency services need support now more than ever before. The events in recent days across Cleveland have been a stark reminder of the danger that they put themselves in to selflessly protect their communities.
The tragic deaths of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough following a collision with a car travelling the wrong way on a dual carriageway have shocked many people.
To dismiss it as a one-off incident would be grossly negligent. Events that have transpired since also reinforce the need for police to be better supported.
Earlier this week, the Police Federation warned that young people were “baiting police officers” with dangerous driving. It is in keeping with a trend of respect for law and order being severely eroded, criminals operating with impunity.
The letter penned by Cleveland's five Labour MPs demanding stronger Government support for local police and firefighters, must not be ignored.
Anna Turley, Luke Myer, Andy McDonald, Jonathan Brash, and Chris McDonald met the Government's Policing & Fire Minister Sarah Jones to raise concerns about crime, public safety and the pressures facing Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade.
The MPs rightly warn that a return to "business as usual" would not be enough. And this is not just an issue that is consigned to Cleveland.
The very fabric of society is being picked at as a result of evident gaps in law enforcement. The whole justice system is in a state of perma-crisis.
A crackdown on criminality at all levels would be welcomed by the public. But those on the frontline need and deserve all the support they can get.
There are no quick fixes to the law and order crisis but the direction of travel needs to change. Communities need to feel safe and the police need support.