Sajid Javid’s intentions are admirable but immediate action is needed, the Police Federation of England and Wales chairman said.

The Home Secretary yesterday addressed the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, speaking about plans to tackle serious violent crime and a crackdown on drugs among other issues.

Mr Javid announced a series of plans in a bid to tackle the scourge in violent crime, including a crackdown on middle-class drug users and a £200 million youth endowment fund.

He also detailed his intention to strip dual nationals of their UK citizenship if they are involved in gangs that sexually exploit children.

The speech follows the launch in April of the Home Office’s Serious Violence Strategy, and the Policing Minister’s announcement of plans to increase stop and search powers for people suspected of carrying corrosive substances.

Mr Apter, who was in Birmingham, said the pledges were "nothing new".

He added: “Mr Javid’s speech was all very admirable in its intent. But my question is what about those who will be enforcing these new laws? What about the officers who will be investigating the crimes that the government is aiming to combat?

“There are not enough police officers to cover the demand we already have, many of my members are at or beyond breaking point and the public are increasingly being provided with a sub-standard service. This cannot go on. Policing needs immediate investment.

“We commend the Home Secretary’s aim of addressing the issues our communities are facing but we need the warm words about respect for the police to be translated into action.

“The Home Secretary said that he will always support policing. We now need him to show us that he does. He said today he will give us the tools and protection we need to our job. We now need him to make good on that.

“We need action and we need it now. Without tangible and meaningful support policing and the public will continue to suffer.”