Rishi Sunak: Police should focus on catching criminals and not taking the knee

When asked by GB News whether the Prime Minister thinks officers should take the knee, Mr Sunak said: "I think what officers and police everywhere should be focussing on is on tackling crime.

"That's what the public expect and what I expect from the police. And I've been talking to police officers here today - thats what theyre keen to deliver.

"And that's why one of the things we've done recently is agree with the police that they will follow up all reasonable lines of enquiry when thefts happen.

"That's what the people expect, especially now theres more tech. Whether its GPS or doorbell vidoes, there are all sorts of things that can be given to the police and the people expect them to follow up on these things to catch criminals.

"It impacts too many people up and down the country, and these are the bread and butter things that the police should be focussing on."

When pressed by GB News' Political Editor Christopher Hope, asking "So not gestures like taking the knee?", Mr Sunak responded: "No, I think police officers like the ones I've spoken to today are focussing on catching criminals."

Earlier this week, Home Secretary Suella Braverman announced that the police will be obliged pressure to investigate every theft that is reported to them, as part of a plan to crack down on all levels of crime.

Ms Braverman said it is "unacceptable" thar crimes such as shoplifting, criminal damage and phone theft have historically been treated as "less important".

The plan will see police forces across the UK committed to following all "reasonable lines of enquiry", as part of an effort to drive down crime.

Unveiling the plan, Ms Braverman said: "The police have made progress in preventing crime across the country with neighbourhood offences like burglary, robbery and vehicle theft down by 51% since 2010.

"Despite this success, since I became home secretary I've heard too many accounts from victims where police simply haven't acted on helpful leads because crimes such as phone and car thefts are seen as less important - that's unacceptable.

"It has damaged people's confidence in policing. Criminals must have no place to hide.

"The police's commitment today is a huge step forward towards delivering the victim-focused, common-sense policing the public deserve."