Among major changes planned by home secretary are abolishing most forces in England and Wales and creating a national crime agency

After a stream of policy announcements over several months, Shabana Mahmood has unveiled a white paper outlining changes that will affect every police force across England and Wales – and could well abolish most of them.

The home secretary’s department has described it as the biggest overhaul of policing since the service was founded two centuries ago.

A reduction in the number of police forces from the current 43 by 2034 – a review will determine the details.

An FBI-style National Police Service to lead on terrorism, fraud and organised crime.

The launch of local policing areas in every borough city and town, with officers focusing on neighbourhood policing.

Giving home secretaries the power to sack chief constables.

Every police officer in England and Wales to be made to hold a “licence to serve” – and asked to face regular tests.

A fast track for professionals and experts so they can take senior police roles.

A new police commander to lead on violent disorder and rioting.

A new national forensics team to help catch rapists and murderers.

A national rollout of live facial recognition technology, increasing the number of vans from 10 to 50.

Police and crime commissioners to be scrapped in 2028.