Home Secretary’s speech lacked punch, says Federation chair

9 June 2021

The Home Secretary’s speech to today’s Police Federation conference lacked punch and failed to address one of the key issues for members – the pay freeze, according to Suffolk Police Federation chair Darren Harris.

“Usually at conference, the Home Secretary makes a meaningful announcement about a key policing issue but that just didn’t happen this year. Neither did she really answer the national chair who had criticised the Government over the pay freeze in his keynote speech and called for fair pay for police officers, something that is particularly important given the critical role the police service has played in the nation’s response to the pandemic. In fact,  she didn’t say a word about the pay freeze.

“I think if she had at least addressed this officers would have taken a bit more heart from her warm words on other issues. Sadly, by failing to address officers’ obvious frustration and disappointment over pay, she diminished the power of some of what she had to say.

“Of course, we welcome some of the developments she talked about – the Police Covenant, better protections for police drivers and the admission of Specials into the Police Federation - but some of her other comments about backing the police seem hollow when you consider the pay freeze and the inability for police officers, who have been on the frontline throughout the pandemic, to be given any kind of priority for the jabs once Phase 1 of the roll-out programme was completed.”

Ms Patel told conference: “You have my support. That is a guarantee.”

The Home Secretary listed ways she felt the Government is supporting police officers, from recruiting 8,771 more officers as part of a 20,000 uplift to doubling the maximum custodial sentences for assault or battery against emergency workers.

She backed the Federation’s call for forces to share body-worn video footage to counter highly selective, misleading video clips uploaded onto social media.

She also pledged to support the roll-out of Taser and empowering officers to use stop and search powers.

Ms Patel hailed the Police Covenant provision under the Police Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill as being an opportunity to recognise in law the service of police officers and the obligation of the state to support officers’ wellbeing.

The Home Secretary also touched on the issue of assaults against emergency workers, noting that officers have been “spat and coughed at by thugs claiming to have the virus” and attacked by mobs in Bristol earlier this year.

She said: “This behaviour is grotesque. And I will never accept that it’s simply part of the job. It is an attack on the fabric of our society. And every police uniform is worn by a human being who is entitled to dignity and respect.”

The right to protest and speak freely “does not include the right to smash up property, or abuse police officers”, Ms Patel added.

She concluded her remarks by encouraging officers to feel very proud to wear the uniform: “Without you, the public would not feel safe. Without you, criminals would run riot and this country would fall apart. This country depends on you. And I have got your backs.”

In his keynote speech, national Federation chair John Apter criticised the Government for imposing a pay freeze on officers but recognised the Home Secretary had offered support over Taser, the Police Covenant, increased sentences for officer assaults and moves to allow Specials to join the Federation.

Earlier in the day Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the Government was backing policing in a video address to conference.

Kit Malthouse, policing minister, also took part in a debate about Policing Under Pressure with a panel that also included Sir Thomas Winsor, the chief inspector at Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.

There was a tribute to bravery award nominees and the Women in Policing Award was presented to Avon and Somerset Chief Inspector Sharon Baker.