The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, has welcomed the new government and thanked police officers who maintained public safety throughout the General Election.
Mr Foster is set to write to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, congratulating him on his election victory and making it clear he will be available to work closely with Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary.
The Labour PCC also stressed there are three pressing matters that he is keen to support the government to deliver as quickly as possible. These are 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 the Violence Reduction Partnership. and implement fair funding, so that West Midlands Police receives its fair share of national funding.
Mr Foster, said: “I’d like to congratulate and warmly welcome the new government, after its victory in the general election.
“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.”
Mr Foster also highlighted the work done to respond to incidents such as rising tensions, assault and harassment of people involved in campaigning during the General Election.
He said: “I’d like to place on record my gratitude and thanks to West Midlands Police officers and police staff, for all their hard work, professionalism and service, during the course of the General Election, to ensure the elections were free and fair and the democratic process was concluded, in accordance with the law.
“Despite a number of incidents occurring, that included rising tensions, assault and harassment of people involved in campaigning, the detailed and robust operational policing plan ensured the integrity, security and maintenance of the democratic process and the safety of everyone participating in that process, whether as electors, candidates, campaigners or polling office staff.”
