Local MPs, Huw Merriman and Amber Rudd welcomed an additional 200 police officers that will be recruited by Sussex Police in the House of Commons yesterday.

Huw Merriman, MP for Bexhill and Battle, asked Amber Rudd, who was taking topical questions at the despatch box in the House of Commons Chamber, if she welcomed the news that Sussex Police will recruit and deploy 200 more police officers in Sussex.  Amber Rudd replying to Huw’s question as Home Secretary said “Yes, this is good news. The police and crime commissioner for Sussex, the excellent Katy Bourne, has told us that she will be recruiting 200 officers this year and 200 the following year. Kent has said the same, and I understand there will be another 1,000 officers in London.”

Later that day Huw said “I am very pleased that our constituencies will see a substantial increase in police officers which I know will also be welcomed by local residents. The additional officers will help Sussex Police to achieve their priorities include strengthening local policing, working with local communities to keep residents safe and protecting vulnerable residents.”

Amber added “I was delighted to welcome as Home Secretary the increase in recruited police officers for us here in Sussex and elsewhere across the country. We are fortunate to have a very capable police and crime commissioner in Katy Bourne, and her announcement of 200 additional police officers for Sussex, using the precept flexibility we have provided, is an important step forwards for our local communities. It is important everyone feels safe within our towns and I am confident that our police and crime commissioner for Sussex is working hard to help ensure this.”