PM did tell us to stop crying wolf, says Federation chair

22 November 2018

In 2015, the Prime Minister Theresa May – then the Home Secretary - chose to ignore the sincere advice and warnings that officers gave in relation to the effects budget cuts were having on policing, says Dave Stokes, Leicestershire Police Federation chair.

And, in doing so, she accused the Police Federation of ‘crying wolf’  in a keynote speech at its annual national conference that year.

Mrs May was challenged on those comments on LBC Radio on Friday when she appeared to dispute using the phrase. The Prime Minister said that she was ‘not sure’ she had used ‘crying wolf’.

Dave said: “Everyone at the conference remembers that speech very well and, let’s face it, even if you weren’t there, the comments were very well reported in the media.

“So, given the publicity around what Mrs May said, it is surprising to see the Prime Minister’s selective memory on them this time around.”

John Apter, the Police Federation’s national chair, said he was disappointed Mrs May did not use the opportunity to show support for the police service and police officers.

Mr Apter said: “At least one force has recently had to suspend 101 calls because they just couldn’t cope and other chief constables are coming out publicly and talking about their lack of resources which has caused a crisis in policing.”

He added: “It was the ideal moment for her to show her support for our hard-working, dedicated officers who are working flat out to try to meet pubic demand, at a time when crime rates are rising and resources are dwindling.

“But instead she chose to dispute her choice of words at our conference; sadly, this is what I have come to expect of her.”