'No money for police uniforms'

Record numbers of police recruits may not go on duty in London because there is no money for uniforms, it was claimed today.

The British Transport Police say a lack of funding means they may not be able to pay for the clothing, equipment or training of up to 150 new recruits, the majority of whom would be stationed in the capital.

Police Federation chairman Alex Robertson said they need ?15.5 million to put new officers to work next year. So far they have only been offered ?5.4 million by the Government.

Mr Robertson told the federation's annual conference: "We have record numbers of recruits coming forward, over 150 this year alone. But we do not appear to have the money to pay for uniforms, equipment or the training."

Addressing transport minister Tony McNulty, he added: "How can the railways become a safer place without spending money? How can the BTP tackle criminals and terrorists without the necessary funds and resources?"

More than 2,000 passengers were assaulted on London Underground in the last year. The BTP this week launched a crackdown on muggers which led to 81 arrests in four days.