The chair of the national Police Federation has slammed the Government’s lack of response after he hand-delivered a letter to the Prime Minister following the announcement that officers’ pay is being frozen.

John Apter says he has “lost confidence” in the Government after it ignored his demands to reverse the decision to freeze the pay of officers who earn more than £24,000 a year.

In the letter, John highlighted officers’ disappointment at the Government’s disdain and disrespect for police officers, made even more frustrating following their efforts 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,” he has told members.

“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 which claims to ‘have our backs’. 

“Government policies are putting the public at risk - this is the reality.”

John’s comments come after colleagues from all 43 forces across 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,” he continued, “This is where you can help play your part.”

John is urging officers, their loved ones and members of the public to write to and visit their local MP, echoing the Federation’s 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,” he explained.

“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.

“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.

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