Nicky seeks support over booster vaccines

4 October 2021

The Police Federation’s Welsh lead discussed issues facing members and policing during a meeting with Peredur Owen Griffiths, the Plaid Cymru member of the Senedd (MS) for South Wales East.

Nicky Ryan and Peredur covered a range of topics from Covid-19 vaccine boosters to Special Constables with Nicky finding the politician was supportive of the Federation and its work.

“I explained the structure of the Police Federation and how during the pandemic it had become apparent the Federation needed to engage more with members of the Senedd due to the linked functions,” Nicky said.

Covid-19 vaccine boosters was one of the first topics raised.

Nicky said: “We discussed the disappointment officers felt at being overlooked for priority for spare vaccines during the pandemic.

“I asked for Peredur’s support if booster vaccines are to be rolled out, and he agreed.

“He was well briefed on officers’ roles and the public-facing situations we find ourselves in such as policing legislation, house parties and supporting the ambulance service and NHS functions.

“He stressed that while everything during the pandemic may not have been perfect, it’s important all parties learn from the experiences so they’re not repeated.”

Another area of discussion was Naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of an overdose that’s being trialled by a number of UK forces including North Wales.

Indeed, Peredur has previously discussed the overdose antidote with former North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones.

Nicky said: “Peredur was particularly interested in the Federation’s view on Naloxone, which is that it’s a medical emergency that should receive a medical response. 

“He understood our concern that an officer could end up being the subject of a lengthy investigation if there was a loss of life after the drug being administered by an Officer. “

Nicky added: “He is looking to set up a cross-party group to look at substance and alcohol misuse, and would welcome police and Federation input into that group.

“He understands that this is not a single agency issue – that it impacts on all agencies.”

Another area of discussion was priority NHS treatment for officers hurt in the line of duty which it is hoped could form part of the Police Covenant.

Nicky said: “In principle, Peredur was supportive of officers getting priority NHS treatment for injuries in the execution of their duty as it made sense to support officers who’ve been injured doing their role.”

And Nicky briefed him on the provision on the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, currently going through Parliament, which will allow Special Constables to formally join the Police Federation.

“He understood what an important part of the policing family Special Constables and Police Community Support Officers are,” said Nicky, “And he was encouraged that the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner had committed publicly to paying the subscriptions of these volunteers.”

Nicky added: “Overall he was very supportive of the Police Federation and is happy to support us where able.”

The discussion was part of Nicky’s ongoing meetings with politicians in Wales. It follows earlier meetings with North Wales MS Mark Isherwood, Pontypridd MS Mick Antoniw, who is Counsel General and Minister for the Constitution; Andrew R. T. Davies, the leader of the Welsh Conservative Group in the Senedd; Samuel Kurtz, the Conservative MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire; and Alun Davies, the Labour MS for Blaenau Gwent.