Police Federation Delivers Stark Warning to Government Over Pay Snub
The Police Federation has slammed the Government’s 0% pay rise for officers in 2021, calling it “the final straw”. In a fiery letter personally delivered to Downing Street, Chairman John Apter blasted Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak for taking police for granted and demanded a pay U-turn.
Three Demands Rolling In From Police Chiefs
- Stop treating officers with disrespect.
- Agree to a new, fair pay system with the Federation.
- Reverse the zero pay rise and deliver a meaningful salary boost.
Apter Hits Out: ‘Enough With The Platitudes’
Apter told ministers: “These are fair, reasonable requests that could kickstart a new relationship between government and the police.”
“I ask that you show your support and protect the protectors – so they can properly protect the public.”
He added the row isn’t just about money. It’s about the risks officers took during the pandemic – facing dangerous conditions without adequate PPE and policing confusing Covid rules.
“When the Government offered zero pay rise after all this, it was the final straw,” Apter said.
Police Fed Furious Over Mixed Messages and Ignored Promises
The letter also slammed the Government’s “mixed messaging” and failure to prioritise police for early Covid vaccination, despite promises from the Home Secretary.
Apter criticised a recent crime plan that leaked via a Sunday paper, calling it “old ideas dressed up as new” without proper consultation or genuine investment.
“Police officers are sick of gimmicks, underfunding, and Government contempt. It’s time for a total reset of police-government relations.”
