Select committee: Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Recommendation 10
1st Report - Policing and security in Northern Ireland
Published 27 May 2026
Addressed to Northern Ireland Executive; Northern Ireland Office
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Policing and security in Northern Ireland All items in this report Report on parliament.uk ↗ Inquiry on parliament.uk ↗
Recommendation (the committee's words)
In this anniversary year, it is important to reflect on and commend the PSNI for the strides it has made in becoming a more representative police service since its formation in 2001, particularly during its first decade. We are concerned, however, that progress on increasing community representativeness in the PSNI has stalled, at a time when projections indicate a likely decline in the number of officers from a Catholic background, and when individuals from ethnic minority and/or working class backgrounds remain underrepresented. A representative police service that reflects the community it supports is essential for effective policing. Societal and PSNI action is required to increase numbers from underrepresented groups, particularly Catholic staff and officers. Current figures cannot be allowed to decline further and instead should be regarded as the baseline from which to renew progress. (Conclusion, Paragraph 44)
From: Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, 1st Report - Policing and security in Northern Ireland (HC 184), 27 May 2026
Government response
The government responded to the whole report on 3 September 2026 (deadline 27 July 2026).
Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.The government's response sets out its position on each recommendation, stating that responsibility for a number of them rests with the PSNI, the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the Northern Ireland Executive because policing and justice are devolved.
- On the open book exercise, the government says it published the Open Book Review of the Northern Ireland Executive's Budget on 1 June 2026.
- On a ringfenced legacy funding stream, the government points to existing legacy funding and says it is for the Executive to consider how to support those organisations and mechanisms through funding allocations.
- On officer numbers and recruitment, it says these are matters for the Executive, Policing Board and PSNI, and that it "welcomes any rigorous independent analysis" to assist the Executive.
- On publishing asylum application figures for Northern Ireland, the government "notes" the recommendation and says it will form part of the Home Office's "ongoing assessment of user need".