MONMOUTH MP David Davies has won plaudits from the South Wales Police Federation for challenging the Government’s decision to increase foreign aid when forces across the UK face budget cuts.
Mr Davies, who serves as a Special Constable with the British Transport Police, told officers that the police service and armed forces would not be his priorities if he was looking to make cuts.
He said he did not believe cuts had to be made across the board and that the first priority of any Government should be to defend the realm and the rule of the law.
And, to applause from the audience, he added: “I question the need to increase the budget for foreign aid”.
Mr Davies made his comments as part of a recent ‘Day of Action’ at the Central Methodist Hall in Westminster, organised by the Police Federation. Around 2,500 police officers, including 37 from South Wales, were present to raise awareness of the likely impact of the proposed 20 per cent cuts to the police budget.
During the open meeting, Mr Davies also questioned the need for environmental schemes and measures and queried why the UK felt it necessary to get involved in the internal difficulties of other nations.
The remarks come at a time when a report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary estimates there will be 764 fewer police officers in Wales by 2015 and 540 fewer civilian staff.
Afterwards Mr Davies said: “While I am in favour of reducing Government spending, I do wish it could be done a little differently.
“I made the very same points during a recent debate in the House of Commons on policing and crime. However, I wish to make it clear that I was speaking in a personal capacity and in no way are my views reflective of those of the Conservative Party”.