In a further headache for ministers, the country's most senior police chiefs have also warned Sir Keir Starmer they will face "stark choices" about which crimes to investigate if their budgets are cut as expected. The BBC understands that the Home Office, which is responsible for both victims and police forces, is still in negotiations with the Treasury over how funds will be allocated in the spending review. In the letter seen by the BBC, the commissioners told Sir Keir that the spending review was a chance to define the government's legacy for victims and survivors. The pair said they welcomed the prime minister's "personal commitment to halving violence against women and girls within a decade" but said "funding cuts and scaled back ambition are leading to piecemeal policies". They added that with "bold and ambitious investment, we can finally tackle the systemic stain of violence and abuse" and said the "cost of inaction is one this country can no longer afford".

Source: The Times June 04, 2025 17:24 UTC