Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has launched a scathing attack on the Home Office, accusing it of allowing "lawless" conditions to develop in the West Midlands and Greater Manchester. Speaking at a recent briefing, Cooper highlighted soaring crime rates and a lack of effective policing strategies in these regions.
Rising Crime Rates Ignored
Cooper pointed to alarming statistics showing a sharp increase in violent crime and burglaries across both areas. "The government has turned a blind eye to these communities," she said, "leaving residents vulnerable and police forces under-resourced."
Calls for Urgent Reforms
The Labour MP demanded immediate action, including:
- Increased funding for local police forces
- Better coordination between regional and national law enforcement
- Revised sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders
Her comments come as Home Office figures reveal that response times for emergency calls have worsened in both regions over the past year.
Government Response
A Home Office spokesperson defended their record, stating: "We've recruited over 20,000 additional officers nationwide and are investing £150 million in crime prevention initiatives." However, Cooper dismissed these claims as "too little, too late" for communities already suffering the consequences of inadequate policing.
