Criticism mounting of MayÕs police cuts

In the wake of renewed terror attacks on UK soil, the main opposition Labour Party Ð to the incumbent Conservatives Ð claims Prime Minister Theresa May cut armed police numbers when she was Home Secretary

ÒWe have 20,000 fewer police officers than in 2010, and more than 1,000 fewer armed officers.Ó Labour press release, June 5, 2017

Prime Minister Theresa May Ð Home Secretary, 2010-2016

POLICE FORCE NUMBERS (England and Wales)

Designated Officers
Police Community Support Officers
Police Staff
Police Officers... 

Õ000s
250
200
150
100
50
0

2010
11
12
13
14
15
16

7,000
6,500
6,000
5,500

2010
11
12
13
14
15
16
17

Home Office data

of which authorised firearms officers...

National Police ChiefsÕ Council says it has recently added 640 firearms officers, taking numbers up to around 6,300

Armed British police have seen their numbers slashed in recent years

Sources: Home Office, Full Fact, wire agencies
Pictures: Associated Press