Britain's opposition Labour leader criticizes budget cut on police

APD NEWS

text

Britain's opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has criticized Prime Minister Theresa May for making cuts in the size of the police force.

He spoke after Saturday's attack in London which left 7 people dead and scores injured.

The issue of security and public safety is likely to weigh heavily on voters' minds as they prepare to go to the polls in a general election on Thursday.

Following a short pause in formal campaigning, Corbyn told a crowd in Carlisle, northern England that "You cannot protect the public on the cheap."

He said a budget cut introduced while May was Home Secretary saw the number of police officers reduced by 20,000.

Corbyn said that May did not listen to warnings from police.

The Labour leader added that police should have full authority "to use whatever force is necessary to protect and save life."

It's thought Corbyn is trying to avoid being seen as too lenient on terrorism. After he became party leader, he sparked controversy by questioning the legitimacy of police being allowed to open fire on terrorist suspects.

Conservatives accuse Corbyn of opposing anti-terror legislation in the past.

Opinion polls show that as of Saturday, 44.1 percent of people support the Conservative Party while 35.8 percent support Labour.

But some pollsters say Labour is closing in and is just a few points behind.

(NHK)