HM Government of Gibraltar notes the recent comments from the GSD regarding spending on the Royal Gibraltar Police and notes that it contradicts their many statements on public expenditure generally.

Ironically it is a press release issued by Ms Ladislaus as Shadow Minister for Justice, although she did not attend the Viewpoint last week which addressed matters related to the Justice portfolio.

That is the second time Mr Bossino has attended a Viewpoint instead of the relevant shadow member of the GSD, the first being in respect of matters related to tourism when Mr Origo was not fielded by the GSD.

It would appear that the GSD has “no confidence” in Ms Ladislaus and Mr Origo to deliver their arguments effectively on the National Broadcaster.

In fact, it is high time the GSD Opposition is held to account for the hypocrisy of claiming "overspending" in one breath, while simultaneously demanding better public services.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the funding of the RGP.

The facts show a near 70% increase in funding from the time of the GSD in office to now, well in excess of inflation.

The GSD’s narrative on spending completely ignores the reality that this Government has prioritized the safety of our streets and the welfare of our officers. The figures speak for themselves:

• 2011 (GSD Administration): The police budget stood at approximately £10.5 Million.
• 2026 (Current Administration): The police budget has been increased to over £17.1 Million.

This is not just a marginal increase; we have increased the funding available to the RGP by 70%. Even when adjusting for inflation, the GSD’s level of investment in 2011 was anaemic compared to the resources we provide today. When the GSD complains generally about "too much money" being spent, they are effectively complaining about the record amounts being spent on the tools, technology, and manpower that keep Gibraltar safe.

That is how we are supporting the "Thin Blue Line".

While the GSD remains obsessively focused on the nuances of the Inquiry Report and looking into the past, this Government is looking forward.

• Backing the Officers: We are firmly on the side of the police officers on the beat. We believe in providing them with the resources they need to do their jobs effectively and safely. We have funded the recent defence by the Police Federation of the Inquest into the deaths at sea.
• New Leadership: We have absolute confidence in the new Senior Management Team of the RGP. We are ready and willing to work hand-in-hand with them to ensure that this record investment translates into even higher standards of policing for our community.

Conclusion

The public must ask themselves: if the GSD believes we are spending too much, which part of the police budget would they cut? Would they return the RGP to the £10.5 million levels of 2011? Those are the only real questions here and they should be addressed to the GSD.

The GSD’s obsession with political point-scoring over the Inquiry Report shows they have lost sight of what matters to the average citizen. We choose to invest in our people and our police.  The GSLP Liberal Government makes no apologies for spending the money necessary to ensure Gibraltar remains one of the safest places in the world.

ENDS