A number of families of officers who had died in the line of duty were recently invited to the Palace of Westminster to receive a leaf cut from the UK Police Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Each leaf cut from the memorial itself was inscribed with the officer’s personal details and the tribute ‘in recognition of their courage and sacrifice’.

The event was hosted and arranged by Shailesh Vara MP along with the UK Police Arboretum Memorial Trust and sponsored by Niche.

Speaking on the occasion, Chris Webb, from the Trust, said: “There are currently 400 leaf apertures in the memorial, and we were able cut a number of leaves from the brass itself.

“In presenting leaves to families, there is a real sense that each officer lost, and their courage and sacrifice, is intrinsically linked to the memorial at the Arboretum

“In due course, and as further funding becomes available, more leaves will be individually inscribed and presented to the families of other fallen officers."

Bryn Hughes was present alongside Paul Bone. Their daughters were ambushed on duty in 2012. Reflecting on the event, Bryn said: “Today was a bittersweet day. I’m very proud of what my daughter Nicola achieved in her policing career, but it is very emotional to be here today to receive these leaves in memory of Nicola and Fiona.

"Paul and I helped in breaking the ground at the very start of the memorial’s construction and I often spend time there alongside the families of other fallen officers. It’s a very special place for me to visit.”

Tiff Lynch, Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) deputy national chair and one of the federation’s parliamentary leads told us: “It’s been a very special day here today. To stand alongside these families and colleagues as they honour their loved ones is very special.

“Acts of remembrance such as these remind us of the dedication and service of those officers who gave their lives in protecting others.”

PFEW has lead the call for State recognition for all officers who lose their lives in the line of duty as part of its Medals for Heroes campaign. As of November 2023, no formal announcements have yet been made although the Government says it is hoping to do so ‘very soon’.

Other families of officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice were also in attendance at the event. Some of them were later featured on the BBC Breakfast programme.

You can watch the BBC Breakfast coverage below and to find out more about the work of the Police Arboretum Memorial Trust, visit: ukpolicememorial.com.