UK plans 13,000 more police officers by 2029

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to deploy 3,000 new neighbourhood officers by next year as part of a broader initiative to address rising street crime and restore public confidence in policing. This initiative, termed the 'Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee,' aims to increase the total number of neighbourhood officers to 13,000 by 2029, ensuring every neighbourhood has a named, contactable officer. Starmer highlighted the importance of visible policing, particularly during peak times in town centres, to combat issues such as shoplifting and antisocial behaviour. Despite the Labour government's proposals, opposition from the Conservatives warned of potential job losses due to what they term as a 'job tax' that threatens police funding. The initiative seeks to shift policing from a reactive approach to a proactive one, emphasizing community engagement and tailored action plans to tackle local crime. Overall, Starmer's plan aims to restore a sense of safety and security in communities across England and Wales.