Scotland Yard Faces Staff Cuts Amid £260m Budget Crisis
The decision to disband the Royal Parks police unit has been met with strong criticism from campaigners, who describe it as short-sighted and damaging to public safety.
Scotland Yard is set to cut 1,700 officers, staff, and community support personnel due to a £260 million budget shortfall. Among those affected, 80 officers responsible for policing eight of London’s Royal Parks will be reassigned to local ward teams.
The unit plays a crucial role in enforcing wildlife laws, managing large public gatherings, and ensuring security at high-profile locations such as Hyde Park, St James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens. Critics, including local councils and former London Assembly members, warn that losing these specialised officers will compromise safety for both residents and visitors.
Councillor Gareth Roberts of Richmond Council called the decision a "very bad move," arguing that Royal Parks officers possess unique expertise that cannot simply be absorbed into broader local policing teams. Former Assembly Member Tony Devenish also voiced concerns, stating that the cuts could make London feel less secure and discourage tourism.
The Met Police acknowledges the difficult choices being made, with reductions also affecting mounted patrols, cold case investigations, and anti-robbery squads. The Dogs Unit is set to shrink, while officers stationed in schools face redundancy.
Despite a record £1.16 billion investment by City Hall, Mayor Sadiq Khan has been criticised for not preventing the cuts. His administration insists that emergency response teams will remain untouched, but opponents argue that the loss of officers will have severe consequences for policing in the capital.
The Met Police is continuing discussions on the scale of the reductions, with some cuts potentially being reconsidered following an additional £32 million in funding.
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Pic of the week: Sunset at margate beach
The first day’s journey was through the pink fields
The first day’s journey was through the pink fields
The first day’s journey was through the pink fields