The Prime Minister praised Greater Manchester Police (GMP) as "a model" for forces across the country in the House of Commons.

Rishi Sunak responded to a question from the Conservative MP for Bolton West, Chris Green, over the course of PMQs last week.

Mr Green asked Mr Sunak to thank GMP for its progress since the appointment of Chief Constable Stephen Watson, who took on the position when it was in special measures.

The MP for Bolton West referred to the Bolton police station custody suite, which closed around six years ago but reopened last year.

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Mr Green said: "The Bolton police station custody suite was closed by the police and crime commissioner and the then chief constable because they had given up on arresting criminals. 

"The new chief constable is delivering on the people's priorities so calls are answered, crimes are investigated and arrests are made, which means the reopened custody suite is always full. 

"Will my right honourable friend [Mr Sunak] join me in thanking GMP? 

"Does he think the approach ought to catch on throughout the country?"

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Mr Sunak said: "I am delighted with the improvements made by GMP. The Home Secretary met the chief constable recently. 

"They have made significant improvements in, for example, answering 999 calls, and have seen almost a 50 per cent year on year increase in the number of charges recorded. 

"I welcome the force’s focus on getting the basics on crime and antisocial behaviour right. 

"It is a model for forces across the country."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.