Avon and Somerset Police Federation meets Kerry McCarthy MP

1 November 2025

Avon and Somerset Police Federation Chair Tom Gent has met with Kerry McCarthy, the Labour MP for Bristol East to highlight the growing challenges faced by frontline police officers across the region.

The meeting covered a wide range of pressing issues, including police pay, retention concerns, accountability, and the increasing demands placed on officers, particularly in light of recent protests and public order events.

Tom said: “It’s important to meet our local MPs and engage with them on the pressures that our frontline officers are under and the support that is needed from Government.

“These conversations are vital to ensuring that the realities of modern policing are understood and addressed at a national level.”

Tom added: “We’re seeing officers stretched further than ever before, and it’s essential that government recognises the strain this places on both individuals and the wider service. We welcome the opportunity to work with MPs like Kerry McCarthy to advocate for meaningful change.”

Avon and Somerset Police Federation continues to engage with policymakers to ensure that the voices of frontline officers are heard and that the support they need is prioritised.