Teesside MPs call on Government to give more funding
This follows the A66 crash and fatal Grangetown house fire
Teesside's five Labour MPs have united to call for enhanced Government support for local police and fire services following recent tragic events.
Anna Turley, Luke Myer, Andy McDonald, Jonathan Brash, and Chris McDonald have met Policing & Fire Minister Sarah Jones to discuss their concerns about crime and the challenges faced by emergency services in Cleveland.
The MPs expressed appreciation for the bravery and professionalism of police officers and firefighters in Cleveland, acknowledging the additional challenges brought on by past austerity cuts.
"Our communities deserve to feel safe, and our emergency services deserve the resources and support they need to do their jobs," the MPs said in a joint statement.
They highlighted the assistance Cleveland Police has received from other forces and the recent arrival of new PCSOs over the past year.
However, they emphasised that a return to "business as usual" will not suffice and vowed to keep advocating for robust Government support.
This call for action comes after a significant public show of support for the families of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, raising over £1 million.
The Labour MPs aim to ensure that Cleveland's emergency services are adequately resourced to protect the communities they serve.