Labour's plan for security spending

Labour have been in power for around three months now. Here, we take a look at their spending commitments from the manifesto and since, when it comes to security, policing and defence.

Manifesto
 
Labour’s manifesto claimed to be fully costed, fully funded and built on a rock of fiscal responsibility, committing to a range of public spending.

One of the commitments was to launch a new Border Security Command with hundreds of new specialist investigators. They also promised a crack down on anti-social behaviour, with more neighbourhood police.

The party committed to a strategic defence review within its first year of government, as well as setting out the path to spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence.

The manifesto promised a new Border Security Command – now in the works – with hundreds of new investigators, intelligence officers, and cross-border police officers. This would funded by ending the Rwanda plan.

Labour promised to recruit thousands of new police officers, which will be paid for by tackling waste through a new Police Efficiency and Collaboration programme for England and Wales. 13,000 additional neighbourhood police and community PCSOs; and specialist domestic abuse advisers in 999 control rooms at peak times will be backed by £400 million.

Border security

In September, the government announced up to £75 million of new investment for the Border Security Command. The funding will be used to deliver cutting-edge new technology, extra officers and further covert capabilities across the system.

As part of the uplift, the National Crime Agency (NCA), the police and other law enforcement agency partners will receive a cash injection to bolster the UK’s border security and disrupt people-smuggling gangs.

The £75 million is redirected funds that come from the previous government's Illegal Migration Act.

New capabilities will include covert cameras and state of the art monitoring technology, which will enhance evidence collection, speeding up investigations and increasing the likelihood of successful prosecutions.

There will be a new unit to improve intelligence collection across UK police forces and information flows to partners, alongside an uplift in prosecutors working in the Crown Prosecution Service to act on investigations.

Technology

Five new hubs to develop practical use of quantum technology in areas like medical scanners, secure communication networks, and next-generation positioning systems have received £100 million in government funding.

Thse hubs will explore technologies crucial for national security. This could see aircraft operating with improved positioning systems that are resistant to GPS jamming, or submarines able to operate for extended periods without relying on satellites. Additionally, research into a ‘quantum internet’ could create secure and future-proof communication networks, safeguarding sensitive data and communications infrastructure – helping protect citizens and the economy.

Equipment

A £71 Million contract has been awarded to maintain thousands of UK military land vehicles.

Called the Conventional Vehicle Systems Spares and Post Design Services (CVSSP), the contract will be for spares and post design services for a range of legacy utility and combat vehicles and ancillary equipment, helping to create and sustain around 100 skilled jobs in Coventry.   

The contract will help to extend the life of the entire Land Rover fleet; Pinzgauer fleet; protected Land Rover; RWMIK and the Lightweight Trailer fleet.

Martyn’s Law
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill - Martyn's Law - has been introduced to parliament.

The bill aims to increase preparedness for and protection from, terrorist attacks at public venues.

The legislation is named after Martyn Hett, who along with 21 other people was killed in the Manchester Arena attack. His mother, Figen Murray, has been campaigning for legislation and recently walked from Manchester to London to raise awareness.

The law will require those responsible for premises and public events to take appropriate action to strengthen public safety, with requirements reflecting the size of the venue and the activity taking place.

It has been revealed that the Security Industry Authority (SIA) will take on the responsibilities of the Martyn’s Law Regulator.

In a statement, the SIA welcomed the decision and said they fully appreciate the significance of Martyn’s Law and the important role the Martyn’s Law Regulator will have.

The statement highlighted that the new responsibility will be separately funded and emphasised that it must not compromise the SIA's existing regulatory role in public protection licensing regulated private security roles.

Support for SMEs
The manifesto has promised support for small business, with a plan for small business. This plan involves action on late payments to make sure they are paid on time as well as making it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises to gain access to capital. This comes alongside reform to procurement rules to give SMEs greater access to government contracts.

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has revealed that £3.52 billion (16.7 per cent) of central government spending went directly to 1,525 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) over the last year.

The government also recently announced a promised crackdown on late payments.