Nuclear base police cut backs spark fears
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Defence chiefs are considering cutting numbers of the specialist police who guard military facilities including the UK's nuclear deterrent, an industry leader warned today.
The prospect of reducing the size of the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) is "incredibly worrying", said Eamon Keating, national chairman of the Defence Police Federation.
The Sun reported that 900 MDP officers - a quarter of the total - were facing the axe under an ongoing review into defence spending.
Mr Keating said he was aware that a report into MoD security providers - including the MDP, soldiers and private firms - had been completed and distributed to defence officials.
But he added: "We haven't been given the courtesy of seeing it."
He said the lack of consultation with the Defence Police Federation, which represents the MDP's 3,600 officers, over the possible changes was "incredibly frustrating".
The federation has written to Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth, Under Secretary of State for Defence Kevan Jones and senior MoD officials, but so far has had no official response.
Mr Keating said: "I am genuinely worried that there is a potential they are looking to reduce the police by a significant number, which is incredibly worrying not only for my members but also for the security of the MoD."
The MDP is a civilian police force responsible for the security of MoD facilities around the UK.
This includes Royal Navy bases, nuclear installations and even married quarters in barracks.
MDP officers have also served overseas, including in Iraq, Bosnia, Jordan and Kosovo, and a number are currently working in Afghanistan.
Mr Keating said the force was "the world leader" in the type of policing it carries out.
He warned that it would be a "false economy" for the MoD to replace MDP officers with service personnel or private security guards.
He said: "The MoD are looking at cutting costs - on a one-for-one basis a police officer costs significantly more than a soldier or security guard.
"The reality is anywhere they have been replaced in the past, they normally put two or three security guards or soldiers in their place."
Mr Keating will meet Mr Jones on Wednesday to discuss the plans.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments