‘She should apologise’: branch secretary responds to ‘disgusting’ MP comments

28 July 2025

‘These comments not only undermine female police officers, but they insult men in the job too.’ 

The secretary of Northamptonshire Police Federation, Charlotte Pateman, has joined the growing chorus of voices across the country condemning recent remarks that implied female police officers appear ‘vulnerable’ when working in pairs. 

The comments were made by Reform’s Sarah Pochin, during a recent interview on BBC Radio 5 Live. 

During the interview, Ms Pochin said: “I never feel comfortable actually seeing two female police officers together. I’d much rather see a great, big, strapping male police officer with a female.”

 

Reform’s Sarah Pochin.

 

When her comments were questioned, she responded: “No, I think they look vulnerable. But, you know, that’s just my opinion.” 

The Runcorn and Helsby MP continued: “There is 100 per cent a place for women police officers. We need them to go out to certain, perhaps more sensitive situations, situations where children are involved, situations where battered wives are involved or battered girlfriends - that type of thing. 

“Of course we need female police officers.” 

And now Charlotte, who has been in the job for 21 years, is calling on Ms Pochin to not only explain why she has implied female police officers are ‘vulnerable’ but to apologise to all those in policing for her remarks. 

Disgusted

“I’m disgusted by these incredibly outdated comments made by Ms Pochin,” Charlotte said, adding: “It’s made me really angry. 

“This view doesn’t belong in 2025. Ms Pochin should be ashamed of herself.” 

Charlotte said that it is not just female police officers that Ms Pochin has insulted, it is male police officers, too. 

She said: “We must remember that incidents involving ‘children, battered wives and battered girlfriends’ - as Ms Pochin called them, the more ‘sensitive’ jobs - can also be attended by male officers too. 

“I feel like she has insulted male officers here also, by suggesting they shouldn’t or couldn’t attend such jobs. I can assure you, Ms Pochin, that I’ve worked with men who are just as good at attending these ‘sensitive incidents’, and women who are just as good at being on the frontline, protecting the public in dangerous situations.” 

Bravery

Charlotte said the comments made by Ms Pochin are ‘unhealthy’, and send the wrong message to those serving, members of the public and aspiring officers. 

“I’d like to draw Ms Pochin’s attention to the national Police Bravery Awards, and our very own Recognition of Bravery and Excellence in Policing Awards here in Northamptonshire,” Charlotte added. 

“Both events celebrate dozens of police officers from across England and Wales - so many of whom are female. We hear of courage, bravery and selflessness, with some female officers putting themselves at risk to protect the public and save lives. 

“I would invite Ms Pochin to attend such an event, but she doesn’t deserve an invitation. Instead, why not have a read of some of these courageous stories before you make further degrading remarks about policing. 

“As an MP and a fellow female, what kind of message does that send to women across the country, especially those female police officers who work tirelessly to protect the public.” 

READ MORE: Bravery Awards: Fed members recognised at special ceremony.