THE Home Secretary Amber Rudd has agreed to meet MPs to discuss West Midlands Police's "severe funding situation".

A proposed 7.2 per cent cut to the Counter Terrorism Policing and Protective Security Grant would have a big impact on the force’s ability to fight terror over the coming years, according to Dudley North MP Ian Austin, who was instrumental in securing the meeting.

“I am pleased that the Home Secretary has recognised the severity of the cash crisis facing West Midlands Police and has agreed to meet a delegation to discuss funding," he said.

“West Midlands Police is the second largest force in England and Wales and has the largest counter terrorism unit in the country after the MET.

“The Home Secretary needs to change course and ensure that West Midlands Police have the funding they need to keep people safe.”

Erdington MP Jack Dromey said the "first duty of any Government is the safety and security of its citizens", adding that the "deeply damaging cuts" must now be reversed.

He continued: “The problem is particularly severe in the West Midlands where we’ve had cuts of £145 million and lost nearly 2,000 officers.

“Despite dealing with some of the highest threats in the country West Midlands Police have had the biggest cuts.

“The Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson has honestly and bravely admitted that the Government haven’t given him the necessary resources needed to protect from terror and respond to crime.

“I hope the Home Secretary makes the funding available to protect West Midlands Police to ensure that they can carry out their vital work and keep the public safe.”

Last week the PCC, alongside Chief Constable Dave Thompson, briefed MPs on the force’s response to terrorism and the funding implications.

The PCC has previously warned of the impacts of disproportionate cuts to West Midlands Police, including the inability of the force to respond to domestic violence victims within a day whilst the terror threat level was at critical.

Mr Jamieson said: "West Midlands Police has faced cuts of £140 million in real terms since 2010 and is receiving less money from the government each year.

"We are dealing with ever more complex threats and challenges.

"The independent policing inspectorate HMIC has rated West Midlands Police as outstandingly efficient - meaning that resources are going to the frontline and been used to the best effect. Despite that, we have got 1,746 fewer officers than we did in 2010."

Chief Constable Thompson added: "The events in Manchester, the London Bridge attack and the terror attack on those coming from prayers at Finsbury Mosque in London have shocked the nation and saw the force act through Operation Decisive.

"Everyone in West Midlands Police wants to prevent an attack in our region.

"Officers and staff have stepped up to offer the protection the public have needed. This has been a huge strain and there is also a sustained and determined threat that is not going away anytime soon. We are and must remain in a heightened state of readiness."