Catherine McKinnell, Member of Parliament for Newcastle North, has criticised the impact of years of police and youth service cuts, especially on tackling anti-social behaviour.

During a debate in Westminster Hall, Catherine praised the work done by youth organisations across Newcastle North – including the D2 Youth Project in Newbiggin Hall, the Denton Youth and Community Project in West Denton, and Inspire Youth – and their work to steer young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as focus of Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, in this area.

Catherine warned however that “there’s a limit to what local agencies can do, and indeed to what the police can do, despite the bravery and hard work of our officers, after 10 years of devastating cuts to our policing and criminal justice system under the Conservative Government. There are significant pockets of anti-social behaviour that blight parts of my Newcastle North constituency.” and added that “it’s unacceptable that any of our constituents should feel unsafe in their own homes…but that is unfortunately the daily reality for some of my constituents”.

Concluding her speech, Catherine highlighted that “After 10 years of Conservative Governments hollowing out the police and criminal justice system … we need a Labour Government that will put community safety first … it means funding and restoring youth projects and treatment services that prevent crime, and it means providing real support for victims.”

Following her contribution, Catherine commented:

“Crime and anti-social behaviour ruins lives. The Government like to talk a good talk but years of Conservative cuts to the Police and youth services has had a drastic impact on the ability to tackle these issues.

“People deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities. We need a Government that truly cares about community safety and will not only invest in policing but also important support services for victims of crime and anti-social behaviour, and youth service to divert people away from crime and anti-social behaviour”.