Secret plans by the Tories in Wales to slash community police across Wales have been slammed by Police and Crime Commissioners and Ministers.

Days after Tory high command was challenged to disavow pledges made to defund all Police Community Support Officers in Wales, Tory bosses have refused to row back from their reckless plans.

Welsh Labour’s Police and Crime Commissioner candidates and Ministers wrote to the Tory Senedd Group Leader on Wednesday, asking for urgent clarification on the planned cuts.

Welsh Labour’s Campaign Chair, Julie James said:

“It’s clearer than ever that the Tories think they can get through this campaign by keeping a lid on their secret plans to scrap funding for PCSOs in Wales.

 

“They have dodged direct questions on their plans and refused to change tack – and it’s clear as day why. Their plans will make Welsh communities less safe, make the job of our hard-working police officers more difficult and damage community cohesion at the very time we are looking to rebuild post-pandemic.

 

“The Tory policy to axe Welsh PCSOs is driven by dogma and petty politics.  And that’s why the choice in this election is so clear; police cuts with the Tories in Wales or 600 fully funded PCSOs and safer streets with Welsh Labour.”