‘I cannot over-state the importance of Sir Henry’s support’

30 January 2020

Sir Henry Bellingham, the now retired Norfolk MP whose support for the Police Federation’s demands for better legal protection for police drivers has been hailed as a ‘game-changer’, was presented with a National Chair’s Commendation at this year’s Roads Policing Awards.

Sir Henry, who received the award from national Federation chair John Apter, was nominated for the accolade by Tim Rogers, deputy secretary of West Midlands Police Federation and national Federation lead for pursuits.

“During a great acceptance speech, Sir Henry said I was ‘very naughty’ to have nominated him but I just wanted him to get proper recognition for the support he gave to our campaign,” says Tim.

“It has taken us 12 years to get to the point now where police drivers will soon be given the legal protection they need to do their jobs. Initially, as a Federation, our focus was not on a change to the law but other solutions. However, a number of cases in which officers were convicted of dangerous driving led us to re-launch our campaign and seek legislative reform around six years ago.

“Throughout the last 12 years, the Police Federation has had many doors shut in its face as its campaign to keep its members on the right side of the law was met with obstacle after obstacle leaving officers open to lengthy conduct and criminal investigations.”

But the Federation was encouraged when Sir Henry got behind its campaign around two and a half years ago.

“He listened to the evidence we gave him, understood the need for a change in legislation and, perhaps most importantly, acted. He was able to put forward our case to MPs of all parties and played an important part in helping us keep the pressure on in Parliament,” Tim explains.

In December 2017, two months after the Home Office ordered a review into the current legal situation, Sir Henry, who stood down at the General Election, tabled his Emergency Response Drivers (Protections) Ten-Minute Rule Bill and secured cross-party support for the change in legislation the Federation sought. He then remained a constant and supportive voice in Parliament, rallying fellow MPs.

“In the end, his bill was not to be the vehicle for the new legislation required but nevertheless I cannot over-state the importance of Sir Henry’s support,” says Tim.

“I do believe it was a game-changer in a campaign that seemed to have faltered so many times over the years, causing many people to wonder if we would ever get the backing we required to ensure that police drivers’ unique role and specialist skills were recognised in law.”