Federation cancels conference and postpones bravery awards

29 April 2020

The Police Federation of England and Wales has today cancelled this year’s national conference and postponed the Police Bravery Awards.

The conference and bravery awards are two of the key events in the Police Federation calendar.

Announcing the news this morning, national Federation chair John Apter said the current coronavirus crisis was having a devastating impact on the country with the loss of life on an unimaginable scale and uncertainty around when Government ‘lockdown’ restrictions would be eased.

He explained: “It is right and proper that we do all we can to support the effort to save lives and protect our NHS. Therefore, the Police Federation of England and Wales has taken the decision to cancel Annual Conference 2020, which was due to take place from 16 - 17 June in Manchester Central. This venue is now being used as a Nightingale hospital for the COVID-19 crisis.

“For the same reasons, we have also made the decision that our national Police Bravery Awards, due to take place on 16 July in London, will be postponed. Discussions are ongoing regarding when and how we recognise the 92 officers nominated for this year. As soon as a decision has been made we will make a further public announcement.”

• An officer who feared for his life after he pursued a suspect into a dark, water-filled storm drain and the PC who came to his rescue are the West Midlands Police Federation nominees for the 2020 Police Bravery Awards. PC Paul Newman feared his eyes would be gouged out and then thought he would be drowned when he was attacked by a man who had fled a car when officers discovered a loaded handgun. PC Holly Necchi heard her colleague’s cries for help and it was thanks to her that PC Newman survived the attack which happened on 17 July 2019.