Labour announces policing overhaul but critics fear it will centralise power

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Vikram Dodd Police and crime correspondentJanuary 26, 2026 at 08:10 PM

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Labour has announced plans to overhaul policing in England and Wales, citing the need for reform after 50 years. The proposed changes include creating a National Police Service (NPS), sometimes called the British FBI, merging local police forces, and restoring the Home Secretary's power to sack chief constables and set targets. The NPS would eventually handle counter-terrorism, but these changes are years away, with mergers potentially not completed until 2034. Critics warn that the plan centralizes power, giving the Home Secretary and the NPS commissioner unprecedented control. Concerns have been raised about potential political abuse of power and the erosion of local community ties in policing. The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, whose roles would be abolished, has voiced strong opposition.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Greater Manchester Police 50% Spotlight on Corruption 50% Reform UK 60% Peter Fahy 60% Emily Spurrell 60% Shabana Mahmood 70% Association of Police and Crime Commissioners 70% England 70% Wales 70% Labour Party (UK) 80% National Police Service (NPS) ×390%

Keywords

policing overhaul 90% centralisation of powers 80% national police service 70% crime fighting 60% home secretary 60% police mergers 50% operational independence 50% chief constables 50% political appointment 40%