In the last few years I have proudly reported on the increase in the numbers of police officers employed in Essex. Just this year I was pleased to support our Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Roger Hirst, in the campaign to secure further Government funding for Police and Fire and Rescue services across the whole country, a partnership effort which allowed Essex Police to retain all its 92 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).
Sadly, the Labour Government’s cuts to police funding are eroding the number of officers on the beat, with police numbers across the country dropping by 1,316 officers. That is 1,316 officers who could have been on our streets, protecting our neighbourhoods, investigating crime, and backing up overstretched teams.
Essex Police came under criticism online last week from people claiming officers had bussed people in to protest at the hotel in Epping. I’m pleased those who made the comments have admitted they were not accurate and have apologised.
For clarity, Essex Police have stated: “There are claims on social media that Essex Police officers ‘bussed’ protestors to the protest outside the Bell Hotel on Thursday 17 July. This is categorically wrong. Officers did provide a foot cordon around protestors on their way to the protest, where they and others were allowed to exercise their right to protest. Later some people who were clearly at risk of being hurt were also escorted by vehicle away from the area for their safety. To reiterate, we categorically did not drive any counter protesters to the site on any occasion.”
I have written to the Home Secretary to ask for a meeting to ask for her assurance no further premises in Brentwood and Ongar hotels will be used to house asylum seekers. I will, of course, update my constituents on her response.
