Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has warned that the government’s anti-crime strategy will fail without urgent police funding. In a statement, the Met chief warns that the goals to cut knife crime, boost neighbourhood patrols, and protect women require serious investment.
Rowley backed the government’s ambition to reduce violence but stressed, “Ambition and money go alongside each other.” The Met chief warns anti-crime plans cannot succeed if police forces remain underfunded and overstretched.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised to recruit 13,000 neighbourhood police officers and community support staff by 2029. He aims to deliver 3,000 of them by March 2026. The Met chief supports the plan but says more money is critical to make it work.
Rowley explained that police forces are still recovering from deep austerity cuts. He described departments as “much smaller than they were a decade ago” and called the current system outdated. He says policing needs urgent reform as well as funding.
“We’re not just asking for more money. We want radical reform in policing as well,” Rowley said.
His proposed changes include reducing the number of policing organisations and creating a single national police agency. This would improve coordination, efficiency, and effectiveness across UK police services.
The Met chief also highlighted modern threats such as cybercrime, international risks, and social unrest. He said these new dangers require modern technology, trained staff, and a reliable funding structure.
Along with five other police chiefs, Rowley co-signed a letter warning that years of underfunding have left forces working in broken buildings with outdated equipment. They say failure to invest now will trap forces in long-term inefficiency.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce her public spending review on 11 June. This will decide police budgets through 2029. The Home Office has already pledged up to £17.6 billion for this year, including £200 million for neighbourhood patrols.
However, critics say more is needed. Shadow ministers and police leaders from across the UK echo the Met chief’s concerns. The Met chief warns anti-crime plans will collapse without proper funding and urgent reform.
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