Recently, Sir John questioned the Government on police officer numbers and raised concerns about proposals affecting policing in Essex.
During this House of Commons exchange, he highlights the reported reduction in police numbers and asks whether moving Essex into a regional police force could make policing more remote and less accountable to local communities. He focuses on neighbourhood policing, public confidence and questions the future structure of police services in England and Wales.
Debate Highlights
John Whittingdale Conservative, Maldon
What estimate her Department has made of the number of police officers in September (a) 2024 and (b) 2025?
Sarah Jones The Minister of State, Home Department
In England and Wales, there were 145,550 full-time equivalent police officers as of September 2025 and 146,868 police officers as of September 2024. This Government are focused on putting officers where the public expect to see them: back on the frontline, keeping our communities safe. We have already delivered more than 3,100 additional police officers and police community support officers into neighbourhood roles.
John Whittingdale Conservative, Maldon
The Minister has confirmed that under this Government the number of police officers has fallen. It is now proposed that in Essex they will become part of a regional force that will be more remote and less accountable to the people that they serve. How does that increase public confidence in policing?
Sarah Jones The Minister of State, Home Department
As part of our measures to tackle antisemitism, this morning we have announced funding for an additional 500 police officers in areas where we need them most, which I am sure that Members across the House will welcome. The right hon. Gentleman asks about forces. As he will know, a review is currently being undertaken by Lord Bernard Hogan-Howe, who is looking at both local policing units and regional-level units, as well as the national police service, which we will be introducing.
To see the full debate, watch the video below: