In the wake of the London attacks, police funding has quickly become the number one election issue. The Tories have continued to try and portray Corbyn as being soft on terrorism and "not-to-be-trusted" with security. Availing of every opportunity to mention Corbyn's supposedly soft view of the IRA, and his failure to vote for any anti-terror legislation. Labour hasn't shied away from highlighting the Policing cuts overseen by Theresa May during her time as Home Secretary.

The gloves are undoubtedly off, but the question remains; what effects have #policing cuts had on British security?

Tory policing cuts since 2010 - the real effects of austerity on policing

According to the home office, between 2010 and September of last year the number of police officers in England and Wales fell by nearly 19'000, and the number of firearms officers dropped by 19%. Former Home Secretary Karen Bradley, explained these #policing cuts by highlighting the need to make savings during economically tough times. During what some have termed a "car crash interview" with Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain, she seemed unwilling to answer specific questions on policing numbers, and it was Boris Johnson who finally addressed the issue with Piers Morgan.

While the Conservatives have tried to downplay the significance of these # policing cuts in relation to the prevention of terror attacks, many members of the police have dared to disagree, not least of all the now Chief of the London Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick: "I think it's appropriate for us all to take a look at the amount of resources the police have - both the counter-terrorism police but also our neighbourhood officers."

Some have gone even further and been exceedingly damning on policing cuts, including Peter Kirkham, former Met officer.

Credissa Dick said she would "obviously" be seeking additional resources, while the Police Federation called for the resources of the forces across England to be boosted in the fight against terrorism.

British Police investigating thousands of potential terrorists

The intelligence and police services are facing an uphill battle. Currently, 500 individuals are under "active investigation", 3000 considered as "subjects of interest" with another 20'000 individuals known to MI5. Resources are obviously key, not just for intelligence services but also for community police forces.

Speaking following the London attacks, Mark Rowley, head of counter-terrorism policing, called for a radical change in policing strategy.

"...we're going to need to do some things differently. We are going to have to think again about the next iteration of our police and security service model, which has constantly had to innovate over many decades."