The Home Secretary has thanked police officers for their work during the Covid-19 crisis through a letter to the Police Federation of England and Wales, which we are reprinting in full here.

 

Covid-19 Police Response – Message of Thanks

As we continue to work together to confront Coronavirus – the biggest challenge the UK has faced in decades, I am writing to you, the remarkable members of our police family, to give you my sincere gratitude and thanks for the incredible work you are doing keep us safe during what is undoubtedly a hugely challenging time for this country and the entire world.

You all continue, day after day, to courageously serve our country and I cannot speak highly enough of the bravery, commitment, and sacrifices that you make each day during
these difficult times.

I speak personally, in my gratitude for everything that you are doing to protect the public during this pandemic. To help stop the spread of this terrible virus, we have asked the
British public to put up with restrictions of their freedom and liberty we have not experienced in a generation. I know that the introduction of social distancing regulations has presented unprecedented challenges for policing, but you have all responded with extraordinary professionalism and unwavering dedication to meet the challenges posed by
Covid-19, preserve your long-established relationship with the public and maintaining this country’s precious tradition of policing by consent.

As we move into the next phase of controlling this virus, we will also continue to work together in enforcing social distancing measures. I will continue to ensure that you have
the support, guidance and powers you need to respond to this evolving situation and maintain critical services.

Every single person across our United Kingdom has given up a great deal and we all know people and families who have made significant sacrifices because of this virus and the
unpresented times we are experiencing. This extraordinary national effort has been quite remarkable, and I am grateful to everybody for playing their part. However, I am particularly grateful to you, our outstanding frontline police officers, staff and volunteers who continue to do an exceptional job in keeping our streets safe. You are still responding to all types of crime and working tirelessly to protect the vulnerable.

As Home Secretary, I am deeply humbled by the commitment and self-sacrifice shown by you and your families and I would like to thank you again for your exceptional contribution so far.

For now, I ask that you continue the fantastic work you are all doing, and together we will get through these tough times and continue to support each other.

Rt Hon Priti Patel MP