Home Secretary’s speech was ‘what we have wanted for years’ says Federation chair

24 May 2018

The new Home Secretary Sajid Javid promoted a positive new dawn for relations between the Government and the Police Federation in his keynote speech on Day 2 of the annual conference at Birmingham's ICC.

Replacing the recently-resigned Amber Rudd, Mr Javid said he wanted to work with the Federation to tackle the issues that crippling Government cuts had made to the police service over the last few years.

“Let’s re-set the relationship between the Government and the police,” he said.

He admitted certain crimes were on the rise and said he understood that officers were feeling over-stretched and not sufficiently rewarded. But he said he ‘wanted officers to have the resources they needed’ and would do what he could to get them.

Leicestershire Police Federation chair Tiff Lynch said she thought the Home Secretary’s speech was encouraging.

“It was an interesting speech. We had wanted something like that for a number of years and we finally got it,” says Tiff, “He came across as very personable and it is encouraging to see his view that we are there to protect the public and he will be there to support us on the front-line.

“He has only been in the role for three weeks so we have to give him a chance to get fully up to speed on all of the pertinent issues we face. But he has encouraged, and will be encouraging us, as a Federation to come to him with our problems and he will look at them.

“Of course, only time will tell whether our relationship with the Government will be what we all hope it will be, so let’s see what happens.”

In addressing the conference, Mr Javid said he understood the problems the police faced.

“I’m not arrogant enough to turn up here after three weeks in the job and tell you how to do yours. What I will say is that I am listening and I get it,” he told delegates.

“I will prioritise police funding in the Spending Review next year and I want us to totally transform the welfare provision for officers. That’s why I am backing the Assaults on Emergency Service Workers Bill and supporting changes to the rules on police pursuits.”

Mr Javid said he also supported the roll-out of body-worn cameras and the distribution of spit and bite guards. He was pro-taser and wanted to give officers the powers to use all of the equipment at their disposal.

He added that he was keen to meet officers and have their input to help shape the future. 

“Your ideas and responses will inform what happens next in policing,” he said, “Because I understand that no-one knows more about policing than you do.”

He added: “I will give you the tools, the powers and the back-up that you need to get the job done. For those of you who stand on the front-line, be in no doubt, I will be standing with you.”

Responding to Mr Javid’s speech, the chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, Calum Macleod said he welcomed a closer relationship but said there was a need for speed in holding the Home Secretary to account for promises made. He wanted the Home Secretary to learn the lessons his predecessors had failed to do.

“We have to work with the Home Office and with Government to ensure positive changes for our membership and for the public are achieved – and that needs to start today,” said Calum, “He has certainly taken a different stance from his predecessor – certainly been more constructive. I think the audience appreciated that today – but as I say, words are one thing, delivery is something else – and we need to get delivery for today, for tomorrow, and for five years’ time.

“There are risks police officers are facing that need to be addressed, and they need to be addressed as a matter of urgency.”

A Q & A session rounded off the Home Secretary’s appearance with questions from the floor which led to some lively debate.

Mr Javid’s speech was the highlight of Day 2 at the ICC in Birmingham but there was also a number of other session throughout the day.

The issue of pay and conditions began proceedings with the Federation’s general secretary Andy Fittes leading a disscussion around subjects including apprenticeships.

Andy was also on stage in the final session of the day when speakers outlined plans for the future of the Federation.

Before then, conference had broken up into three break-out sessions to discuss the ‘Crisis in Detectives’, a look at ‘A Career in Policing’ and a seminar entitled ‘Protecting Our Communities’, which featured the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for local policing, Leicestershire Chief Constable Simon Cole.