Number of police forces could be cut

SIR Keir Starmer has indicated that he favours reducing the number of police forces in England and Wales.

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The Government is expected to soon publish a White Paper aimed at overhauling the 43 police forces in England and Wales for the future.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has already signalled she believes the way police are organised is "irrational" and warned of disparities in how they carry out their services.

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that the number of police forces could be cut from the current 43 to somewhere between 12 and 15, though Home Office sources have steered away from the suggestions.