Cumbria’s Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (DPFCC) Mike Johnson yesterday met with the Home Secretary Suella Braverman to discuss policing and fire in the county.

The meeting focused on a number of topics from Operation Uplift, anti-social behaviour and the transfer of fire governance to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

DPFCC Mike Johnson, said: “It was an excellent meeting with the Home Secretary Suella Braverman where we were able to discuss the important issues affecting Cumbria Constabulary and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.

“It was a good opportunity to focus on the additional 169 police officers recruited by Cumbria Constabulary as part of the national Operation Uplift.  Whilst some of the officers are still finishing their training, I was able to highlight the good work that the additional officers are already undertaking in our communities.  For instance, PC Steele in Maryport has reduced anti-social behaviour by 47% and the roll-out of Community Beat Officers is set to continue.

“Also, I raised the importance of rural crime and the impact that it has on our rural communities.  Over the last 48 hours we have had some significant arrests in Cumbria, and it is only by us all working together will we make Cumbria a place where criminals know that they will get caught.

“I was able to explain to the Home Secretary that our back-to-basics operational policing style here in Cumbria is being led by our new Chief Constable Rob Carden and I have invited her to come and visit the force to see the progress we are making.

“I was able to update the Home Secretary on the successful transfer of fire governance of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and our ambitious plans to develop the service.

“Underpinning all of the good work that we are currently focusing on is the importance of funding and I was able to highlight the impact that future funding has on our blue light services.”