MPs hear policing concerns… but will they listen?

MORE than 50 MPs of all political persuasions have been told it is time “more than praise and plaudits are given back to police officers” – as they met constables at a Parliamentary reception.

Police minister Damian Green and Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper (pictured) were amongst those that heard constables are “ideally placed to assess the impact and effectiveness of reform.”

The House of Commons event – organised by the Constables’ Central Committee of the Police Federation of England and Wales – was told police officers remain “much loved” by politicians and public alike.

But Constables Central Committee Chairman Will Riches demanded more than nice words from politicians.

Mr Riches told MPs how front line officers “must have productive and constructive dialogue with you so we can properly represent our members as well as deliver the best possible police service for the public of England and Wales.”

He added: “We represent the front line of policing. We have seen dramatic changes to the way we do business and our terms and conditions, pay and pensions. Some of these have been a bitter pill to swallow for our members.

“No one has been more affected by the wholesale cuts to the policing budget than the 104,000 constables who are serving on the front line. We have to do more and more with less and less.

“It is time that a little more than praise and plaudits were given back to police officers. We need some tangible positivity that makes officers realise they are truly valued for what they do

“The commitment and attitude of police officers is a commodity that is immeasurable but it is priceless and we must strive to protect that”.

Elfyn Llwyd, a Plaid Cymru MP, was at the lunchtime event. Liberal Democrat MPs were represented by, amongst others, Home Affairs Committee member Dr Julian Huppert.

A number of Labour MPs – including shadow police minister David Hanson – were in attendance at the reception, hosted by Home Affairs Committee Chairman Keith Vaz.

Mrs Cooper said: “We know [policing] is a job like no other. The risks you take on our behalf, the work you do, the fact you never know each day what you are dealing with. The work you are doing – not just to cut crime but the work to keep the public safe. The complete mix of things you deal with.”

She thanked officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland – and those from the mainland currently on mutual aid in the province – “for the huge risks and the incredible work they are doing to keep people safe.”

Mr Vaz said: “Those in Parliament and throughout the country are very grateful for the fantastic work you do. I am sure at this particular time you feel relatively unloved for various reasons. Well you shouldn’t be. You are very much loved in the local community but also here in Parliament.”

Tory MP Michael Ellis joined Police Minister Mr Green amongst those representing the Conservative Party at the event. Mr Green said he was “proud” of the relationship he had built up with the Fed as police minister.

He added: “The police are held at high esteem at all levels. When I visit forces around the country, I always make a point of trying to talk to front line officers. What always strikes me is the sheer breadth of roles that any constable has to do in the course of a shift. It always impresses me.

“I know there will inevitably be areas we disagree. And we have to work those disagreements through. But there are many areas where we agree: the need to support officers in furthering their professional skills. The importance of police vehicles not becoming alternatives to the ambulance service.

“The Home Office is trying to help police officers do their jobs more effectively.”