OF THE
TIMES
He said he was "cynically optimistic", but added that the Government should take responsibility for policies that have left public services "stripped to the bone" and police "firefighting" when it comes to dealing with crime.
Mr Apter, who represents rank-and-file officers, said: "Whilst I fully accept we have to look forward, I think the Government and the Prime Minister in particular has to shoulder some of the responsibility for the Government's failed policies. What she's done to policing is unforgivable and she's now seeing the impact of that."
He also described proposals which could make police, along with teachers and nurses, accountable for failing to spot warning signs that youngsters are becoming involved in knife crime as "a bit of an insult".
"We already have that level of accountability and we already highlight if we fear that somebody is going down that path," he said.
"My plea is that this cannot be just a talking shop or a photo opportunity.
"It's got to be something meaningful and credible because the country deserves something to come out of this."
Comment: Heaven forbid the Home Office presume that Brexit would actually go ahead: