Chair encouraged by new Policing Minister's speech

24 September 2025

Dyfed Powys Police Federation chair Delme Rees says he was ‘encouraged’ by the new Policing Minister’s speech to the Police Superintendent’s Conference.

In her speech, Sara Jones MP set out the Government’s policing priorities, including supporting officers through the Police Covenant.

Ms Jones said she wanted to ensure the covenant was working and providing officers with ‘the welfare support that you need, whether it’s pay, whether it’s pensions, whether it’s legislation’.

Ms Jones also confirmed legislation to provide anonymity for firearms officers facing criminal trials.

Speech

Delme said: “There were lots of positive and encouraging comments in the speech, which are welcomed.

“Particularly around the Police Covenant, which we need to be fully and properly enforced so that it makes a positive difference supporting police officers and their families.

“I also welcome the minister’s comments on the importance of welfare, and anonymity for firearms officers who may find themselves subject to trial.

“These are all areas that directly affect the wellbeing and confidence of our members, so it is encouraging to hear the minister including them among her priorities.”

New Policing Minister Sara Jones MP.

Ms Jones said she was excited about the upcoming White Paper, to be published this autumn, which will outline reforms and a wider vision for the future of policing.

“Measures for the policing White Paper need to support frontline officers, build trust with the public, and ensure resources match demand," continued Delme, adding: “And they need to set policing up to meet future demand.

“We’ll be very interested to see what it looks like when published.”

Ms Jones, who served as Shadow Policing Minister from 2020 to 2023, said in her speech that she wants to build a resilient police force.

Politician

She said: “I know as a politician, I’m not a police officer. I don’t know all the things you know, you have to tell me and we need to talk to each other, we need to be frank with each other and move forward together.”

Delme said: “We look forward to working closely with the new Policing Minister for the benefit of our members.

“This is a pivotal time for policing, and it is vital that our members’ voices are heard in Government.

“We welcome the commitment to collaboration and will continue to make sure the challenges and realities of frontline policing are understood.”

READ MORE: Support for officers preparing for retirement.