Commenting on crime figures released yesterday Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson, Ed Davey said:

“These figures show the complete failure of Conservative ministers to protect communities from rising violent crime.

“Last month a leaked report revealed the Home Office accepts that falling police budgets and police numbers have contributed to serious violent crime. Now we see that last year knife crime grew by 22% and offences with firearms by 11%.

“Liberal Democrats have been calling for an increase in police budgets for three years including more community police officers. Along with investment in specialist anti-knife crime projects and youth services. Conservatives have to do far more.

“From rising knife crime to falling police budgets to Windrush – this is the legacy of Theresa May, the UK’s longest serving Home Secretary.”