The Police Act of 1919 committed to fair pay for police officers as long as they gave up their rights to strike.

But Darren Harris, chair of Suffolk Police Federation, said the Government had failed to stick to its side of the bargain.

He said: “The police actually went on strike in the summer of 1918 and to make sure it never happened again the Government of the day agreed to pay officers a fair wage on the condition they gave up the right to withdraw their labour.

“We have been good to our word ever since but I think the Government needs reminding of the promises that were made back then.

“We have a new policing minister and I will be urging him to make sure both sides stick to the deal and that means a pay offer that reflects the hard work of our members and properly rewards them for the risks they take and the sacrifices they make.”

Darren said morale among police officers had fallen to an all-time low after they had endured a two-year pay freeze while other public sector workers who are allowed to take industrial action have been given pay rises which acknowledge the work they undertook throughout the pandemic.

Steve Hartshorn, national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), said: “Workers in other public sectors are taking industrial action over pay and conditions this summer whilst PFEW members ‘police’ the strikes.

“Our members cannot strike and seem to have no redress to this loss as the law currently prohibits such action by police officers.

“All police officers want is fair pay. A reward that recognises their important place in society, for the dangers they face as they go about their duties fighting and preventing crime, enforcing law and order and protecting the vulnerable, while not having access to employment rights similar to other workers for safeguarding their pay and conditions.”

Steve insisted the responsibility of any Government was the safety and security of its citizens and warned it would struggle to fulfil its obligations when the police faced such huge challenges as a result of broken promises.

He said: “During our annual conference in May, I asked the Home Secretary – why are my colleagues one of the only groups of frontline public sector workers being punished?

“Today, I want to ask the Government – did our forebears make a mistake in trusting you by giving up our right to strike in 1919 against the promise of fair pay?

“The Government must be reminded of this promise time and time again.”

He added: “We now have a new Commissioner of Police in the Metropolitan Police Service, a new policing minister, a new Chancellor and an experienced Home Secretary, all of whom know how important policing is to everyday life.

“It is time the Government values that importance and realises that people will not forgive broken promises.”