SNP MSP for Glasgow, Bob Doris, has welcomed the confirmation that 100 new police officers are to be recruited by Strathclyde Police, as figures showed that the SNP Government has surpassed its manifesto commitment to increase police numbers by 1000. Strathclyde, Northern and Central Police have announced that they are to resume recruiting new police officers.

There are now 17,371 police officers in Scotland—1,137 more than when Labour left office. Strathclyde, the territorial police force which covers Glasgow, has already recruited an additional 560 officers since 2007.

Despite cuts by the UK Government to the Scottish budget, the SNP has ensured that police numbers are protected. Strathclyde Police has announced it will begin the process of appointing 100 new recruits whose applications had been suspended earlier this year. The recent budget agreement between local govt body Cosla and the Scottish Government seeks to maintain police numbers in the face of budget cuts.

Mr Doris said: "This announcement from Strathclyde Police demonstrates the SNP commitment to police numbers in the face of unprecedented cuts to Scotland’s budget from Westminster. Police boards are pressing ahead with previous recruitment plans because of their funding deal from the SNP.

“As a government we are protecting the priorities of the people of Scotland from Tory cuts. Since 2007 our efforts to tackle crime have helped to drive recorded crime down to a 32 year low and we now want to go further, despite the intentions of the London parties.

“Labour led Glasgow City Council must now face up to the challenge of protecting police numbers. Local authorities across Scotland have been offered the best deal for public services against the most damaging cuts ever to the Scottish budget and I will be resolute in fighting to maintain police numbers against Labour opposition.”