Pay row: members urged to contact MPs

12 August 2021

The chair of the national Police Federation is calling on members to visit local MPs and echo his demands for the Government to review officers’ pay freeze after ministers ignored a letter he hand-delivered to Downing Street two weeks ago.

John Apter is urging officers, their loved ones and members of the public to get their voices heard, following the lack of response he has received to the letter.  

In the letter, John spoke of his disappointment at the Government’s disdain and disrespect for officers, after it was announced that there would be a pay freeze for any officer who earns more than £24,000.

“By now, I had hoped that I would be able to update you with a response or solution, but we are still waiting for a reply. Yet another reason we have lost confidence in this Government,” John has told members.

“We are united across the country and will continue to put pressure on the decision-makers in Government until we are listened to. This is where you can help play your part.”

John wants people to contact MPs and repeat the Federation’s request for fairness.

“Fridays are constituency days and, if you live within a constituency, you are within your rights to make an appointment to speak with your MP locally,” he explained.

“It’s important that your MPs hear first-hand what policing looks like each and every day, warts and all. This is our reality and we need it to be heard.

“Collectively, you and your family members are a loud voice, make sure you have it heard. Only then will local MPs put pressure on the Prime Minister, Chancellor and Home Secretary to make the changes needed, to treat us fairly and protect the public.

“This is about us all coming together, united and focused. We just want to be treated fairly, that’s not too much to ask."

John said the Government’s decision was even more frustrating following the personal efforts and sacrifices made by officers during the pandemic.

“As police officers, we do not have employment rights, we have restrictions placed on us unlike the vast majority of other public sector workers,” he added.

“Rather than recognise this, the Government has taken advantage of it. This is the contempt my colleagues are dealt with by a Government which claims to ‘have our backs’. 

“Government policies are putting the public at risk - this is the reality.”