POLITICIANS hit out at the Government yesterday after it emerged Gwent Police could see its budget cut by five per cent next spring.

They spoke out after the Police and Crime Commissioner Ian Johnston warned the “brutal” cutbacks would stretch Gwent Police resources to “dangerous levels”.

Mr Johnston said Gwent Police had already lost 220 police officers and nearly 170 staff members.

Figures showed Gwent Police received £84m in 10/11 but this fell to £76m in 14/15.

Conservative MP for Monmouth David Davies said: “I understand the need to reduce government spending given we’re currently borrowing £100bn a year.

“However I would rather make cuts to the foreign aid budget than the police budget.”

Mohammed Asghar, Conservative AM for South Wales East, said: “Police should be properly catered for for the job they are doing reducing crime.

“The Government should be looking after their interests according to their needs.

“We should be helping the police. I am totally behind Ian Johnston.”

But Labour MP for Newport West Paul Flynn said: “Unfortunately almost all services are suffering severe cuts.

“A great deal of money is spent on the PCC, his deputy and their offices. That will be a saving in 2016 if the Conservatives lose the election.

“The PCC is, of course, a politician who may be seeking election. He has made decisions that have incurred greater expense to the Gwent force.”

William Graham, Conservative AM for South Wales East, said: “All public services are facing a reduction in their budget in order to balance the books.”

Torfaen Council leader, Labour Cllr Bob Wellington CBE, said: “The police like local councils have suffered from several consecutive years of austerity and significant budget cuts.

“These cuts are putting increasing pressure on non-statutory services but also now present financial challenges for our critical frontline services, which protect the most vulnerable people in our communities.”