The British prime minister has been urged to respond positively to Chief Constable Jon Boutcher’s recent appeal for additional PSNI funding.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson said Sir Keir Starmer needed to “ensure the PSNI is equipped to fulfil its statutory obligations”.
The East Belfast MP’s remarks come after the chief constable was rebuked by Department of Justice (DoJ) permanent secretary Hugh Widdis, who warned Mr Boutcher about budget constraints and the requirement to follow “certain protocols” when engaging with the British government.
The top civil servant’s correspondence, agreed following consultation with the Department of Finance, referred to a letter the chief constable wrote Sir Keir last month highlighting funding difficulties.
The PSNI’s already stretched resources have been put under further pressure by recent racist street violence which is said to have cost at least £3m to police.
Mr Robinson said the PSNI required the necessary resources to combat the threat from dissident republicans, who he said “still seek to unleash terror in our community”.
“This is not a bid for attention, but a serious effort to ensure the PSNI is equipped to fulfill its statutory obligations, including protecting life and property, maintaining law and order, and preventing crime,” he said of the chief constable’s appeal.
The DUP leader said it was “deeply troubling” that Justice Minister Naomi Long had “endorsed attempts to undermine this legitimate request”.
Mrs Long described her permanent secretary’s letter’s contents as “entirely appropriate”, while Mr Boutcher appeared unapologetic for making a direct plea for additional funds.
“The chronic underfunding of policing and public services in Northern Ireland must be addressed,” Mr Robinson said.
“We will continue to press the government to tackle these challenges and urge others to support, not undermine, this crucial message.”
Speaking at Westminster on Wednesday, prime minister said he recognised the “difficult financial position the PSNI faces” and that he had spoken about it to Mr Boutcher.
“As you would expect, predominantly, it’s for the justice minister and the executive to set the PSNI’s budget and an operational matter for the chief constable in relation to how he allocates that, but I have been talking to him about what further support might be possible,” he said.
