Starmer's 'Standing Army' Plan Faces Criticism from Tory Leadership
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's proposal for a specialist police force to address riots is questioned by Conservative figures.
- James Cleverly raises concerns about the feasibility and implications of the 'standing army' of public order police.
- Cleverly questions the potential for a paramilitary force and the specific powers this new unit will hold.
- The plan includes the deployment of thousands of trained officers to hotspots, with 6,000 officers expected to be available soon.
- Justice Minister Heidi Alexander clarifies that the initiative expands the existing mutual aid scheme for police deployment.
- Details on the budget, recruitment timeline, and operational base for the new unit remain unclear.