'We've had cuts, chaos and neglect - now I have three urgent West Midlands requests for new PM'

The new prime minister Sir Keir Starmer needs to urgently address three key matters here in the West Midlands, says the region's Crime Commissioner. PCC Simon Foster extended a 'warm welcome' to the new Government after the victory at the general election overnight.

But he called on the PM to help crackdown on the crime in the region after what he branded "14 years of cuts, chaos, neglect and underinvestment." He stressed three key asks for the PM as he outlined pressing matters he is "keen" the Government, alongside his support, deliver "as quickly as possible."

Tackling violence in the region, specifically knife crime, is among the three issues he hopes to resolve. Mr Foster plans to do this by securing long-term funding for the Violence Reduction Partnership - which has been working to reduce violence, vulnerability and exploitation.

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He also wants to boost officer numbers in the region, with an overarching goal to continue "rebuilding community policing." And the final matter was to ensure the force receives a "fair share of national funding."

The matters were outlined as follows:

• Rebuilding Community Policing, by boosting officer numbers in the West Midlands.

• Tackling violence with a focus on knife crime, by securing long term funding for our Violence Reduction Partnership.

• Implementing fair funding, so that West Midlands Police receives its fair share of national funding.

The PCC will be writing to the PM to make clear his availability to "work closely" with the new Home Secretary and Policing Minister, who has yet to be appointed. Mr Foster added: “I’d like to congratulate and warmly welcome the new government, after its victory in the general election.

"The Prime Minister should know that whoever he appoints as Home Secretary and Policing Minister will be most welcome in our region as we work together to drive down crime after 14 years of cuts, chaos, neglect and underinvestment.

“I have three key asks of our new government though. We must re-build community policing, by boosting officer numbers in the West Midlands; tackle violence with a focus on knife crime, by securing long-term funding for our Violence Reduction Partnership; and implement fair funding, to ensure that West Midlands Police receives its fair share of national funding.

“I believe the election of our new government will help to drive down crime and I’m pleased the people of our country have given them the mandate to do just that.”

Have you been affected by violence in Birmingham? We would like to hear from you. You can contact us by emailing stephanie.balloo@reachplc.com