Officer safety the priority after more senseless violence

26 April 2021

Polfed News

The National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, John Apter, has vowed to continue making sure officer safety is at the forefront of conversations with the Government and Home Secretary in the wake of the violence against police at anti-lockdown protests in London on Sunday.

Thousands of demonstrators took part in a march in London on Sunday, 25 April [Police officers injured as anti-lockdown protests turn violent | Evening Standard] - in violation of social distancing regulations - to demand a ban on vaccine passports and end to lockdown. Eight officers were injured as they attempted to disperse crowds of individuals who hurled missiles, including bottles.

Mr. Apter said: “These officers are just doing a job, they’re somebody’s son, or daughter. They’re mums and dads. To be targeted in the way they are says a lot about the society we’ve become. I will continue to do my best to support them, but I need Government to do more, much more.”

The National Chair has now raised the issue in person with the Home Secretary and the Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, saying: “Nothing is more important to me than the safety of my colleagues, and their concerns are not being ignored”.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Our brave police are the best of us and should not be the target of senseless violence by a criminal minority for just doing their job. I am getting tough on these thugs and will be doubling the sentence for assault of an emergency worker. I wish the officers a speedy recovery.”

Ken Marsh, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation, added: “Police officers are human beings who go out every day to keep people safe. Our colleagues have every right to go home to their families at the end of their shifts. Not to hospital.”