Chair welcomes engagement from Welsh MPs on issues facing members

24 March 2025

Dyfed Powys Police Federation chair Delme Rees hopes a meeting between PFEW and Welsh MPs will help put the political spotlight on issues facing frontline officers.

Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) acting deputy national chair Brain Booth, acting deputy secretary Mel Warnes, and Welsh leads Leigh Godfrey and Zac Mader met 17 MPs from Wales and two members of their staff to discuss policing and its challenges.

The meeting in Westminster was attended by MPs Jessica Morden, Carolyn Harris , Alex Barros-Curtis, Ann Davies, Chris Elmore, Gill German, Gerald Jones, Ruth Jones, Anna McMorrin, Llinos Medi, Andrew Ranger, Liz Saville Roberts, Nick Smith, Mark Tami, Nick Thomas-Symonds, Steve Witherden, and Chris McDonald.

Delme said: “It’s great to have such engagement from MPs in Wales and to be able to discuss the issues facing our members and policing in general.

“As a Federation we are determined to work with our politicians, here in Wales as well as in Westminster, and build relationships with them to bring about positive change.

Police funding

“We’ll continue to shine the spotlight on the issues that matter to members with politicians and policy makers.”

Police pay was one of the key issues raised at the meeting.

It included discussions on the 21 per cent real terms cuts to police salaries and the need for a truly independent pay mechanism that compensates officers for the unique dangers and restrictions that come with policing.

Police funding was also discussed, with concerns raised over the ‘inadequate’ funding formula for Welsh forces and the need for Cardiff to receive additional funding in line with other UK capital cities.

The meeting also included a discussion on calls from the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) for changes to the Mental Health Act to ensure police officers are only involved in mental health incidents where there is an immediate risk.

Delme said: “We look forward to continued engagement with our politicians and policy makers to ensure members are properly supported in their jobs.”

READ MORE: New Federation reps welcomed to branch council.