Prime Minister meets West Midlands Police officers after disorder

During the meeting with Chief Constable Craig Guildford in Solihull today, the Prime Minister thanked the force for the role it has played in supporting other forces during the recent disorder.

The Prime Minister received an operational briefing from the force’s Chief Constable and commanders in relation to the force’s response to the protest activity.

He went on to meet local community leaders and West Midlands Police officers who are working to engage with communities, investigate offences committed during recent incidents and bring those offenders to justice.

West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Image: West Midlands Police)

Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “I am grateful that the Prime Minister took the time to meet with myself and officers who have been working hard during the recent challenging days to reassure people who have been concerned and intimidated by the recent disorder they have watched take place across the country.

“It was pleasing to hear the Prime Minister acknowledging the need to bring communities together and reassuring to hear his underlying commitment to bolster neighbourhood policing so we can continue to build the vitally important relationships we need with local communities to best keep them safe.”

The Prime Minister told broadcasters on his Solihull visit: “Last night, I think the fact we didn’t see the disorder that was feared is because we had police deployed in numbers in the right places, giving reassurance to communities.

“We were able to demonstrate the criminal justice system working speedily, so yesterday we saw the sentencing of individuals who had been involved in disorder days ago, some of them getting sentences as long as three years.

“That sent a very powerful message.

“But I also think that the work that’s been done jointly to reassure our communities is becoming more effective.”