National Chair speaks out on 'disappointing' lack of response from Government to 'damning' letter from PFEW

10 August 2021

Polfed News

"Two weeks ago, together with Federation colleagues from around England and Wales, I hand-delivered a letter to the Prime Minister and Chancellor setting out our anger at the zero percent pay award for police officers this year, and demanding that government reverse that decision. 

The letter also made clear that our colleagues are appalled and disappointed by the Government’s disdain and disrespect for police officers; made all the more galling after their personal efforts and sacrifices during the pandemic.

By now, I had hoped that I would be able to update you with a response or solution, but we are still waiting for a reply. Yet another reason we have lost confidence in this Government.

As police officers, we do not have employment rights; we have restrictions placed on us unlike the vast majority of other public sector workers. 

Rather than recognise this, the Government has taken advantage of it. This is the contempt my colleagues are dealt with by a Government who claims to ‘have our backs’. Government policies are putting the public at risk - this is the reality.

Just last week, Federation colleagues from all 43 forces in England and Wales met to discuss and agree next steps and action. We are united across the country and will continue to put pressure on the decision-makers in Government until we are listened to. This is where you can help play your part.

I know many of you have written to your local MPs about your concerns and I would encourage you to follow up these letters with in-person visits to support our request for fairness. Fridays are constituency days and, if you live within a constituency, you are within your rights to make an appointment to speak with your MP locally. It’s important that your MPs hear first-hand what policing looks like each and every day, warts and all. This is our reality and we need it to be heard. I understand many of you will say why bother. I get it, and I share your frustration, but we must at least try. Collectively, you and your family members are a loud voice, make sure you have it heard. Only then will local MPs put pressure on the Prime Minister, Chancellor and Home Secretary to make the changes needed, to treat us fairly and protect the public.

To the public, that silent majority who we know support their police: please, speak up for us, stand with us and help us to get our voice heard.

This is about us all coming together, united and focused. We just want to be treated fairly, that’s not too much to ask."