London Assembly Member and Leader of Richmond Council Gareth Roberts has condemned today’s decision by the Metropolitan Police Service to axe the dedicated Royal Parks Police, calling it a
“dangerous mistake” that puts both public safety and conservation at risk.
The decision to disband the specialist unit—tasked with protecting London’s iconic parks—comes as part of wider cost-cutting efforts to address a £260 million budget gap.
Speaking today, Assembly Member Roberts said:
“Scrapping the Royal Parks Police is a dangerous and short-sighted mistake. It puts public safety at risk and threatens the long-term care and conservation of green spaces that millions rely on. These parks are national treasures—cutting their specialist protection
is a reckless false economy.”
“Losing this team of specialists means losing decades of experience in managing delicate wildlife habitats, balancing conservation with public use, and responding to the unique challenges these spaces pose. Handing their responsibilities to already overstretched
local officers is both unrealistic and irresponsible.”
Roberts pledged to seek urgent talks with the Metropolitan Police, The Royal Parks, and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime to ensure robust protection remains in place. He also flagged concerns about the tight timeline for transition, warning that a
rushed handover by the November 2025 deadline risks gaps in park safety.
