"The police are facing a £38 million gap in their budget, in real terms, this will lead to reduced visibility, accessibility and slower response times," said the North Belfast MLA.
 
"The Chief constable has told me that their major worries revolve around a much-reduced police presence and fewer neighbourhood police officers who have been critical in the police building and maintaining confidence in the police.
 
"The last thing the people of NI need right now is reduced confidence in the PSNI. It’s imperative that the Secretary of State stops using the people of NI as collateral in their DUP punishment budget."