As I talk to people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, they feel let down on crime and anti-social behaviour.

Full statement

It’s time for change.

I have four priorities:

Policing not politics

In 2024/25, Hampshire’s ‘Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’ will cost taxpayers £3 million. The Liberal Democrats believe in abolishing Police and Crime Commissioners. I will return policing to the professionals and switch money back to the front line.

Work with communities

Since 2019, the number of Police Community Support Officers has fallen by 23% in Hampshire. I want to restore community policing and have stronger action on anti-social behaviour, with officers having time to focus on preventing and solving crime.

I also want to end disproportionate stop and search. In Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, people from black communities are much more likely to be stopped and searched. This damages trust in police and isn’t delivering the results that any community wants. I want the police to work better with all Hampshire’s communities and rebuild the trust so essential for cutting crime.

Fairer police funding

With most police funding decided nationally, Hampshire does badly – around £41.6 million worse off than it needs. We have fewer police officers than in 2010. I will stand up for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, fight for fairer funding and work to reverse the fall in police numbers.

Listening to you

I want to hear what you think about policing in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Let me know your views today via https://crimesurvey.pradbains.uk.

This election address has been prepared by Martin Tod, Winchester Liberal Democrats, Bar End Road, Winchester SO23 9NP