MP supports introduction of Police Covenant

22th July 2019
MP supports introduction of Police Covenant

Home Secretary Sajid Javid has promised police officers in Kent they will be given protection in and out of the job through a Police Covenant – after Government listened to demands from a campaign supported by local MP Gordon Henderson.

The MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey was one of 60 Conservative MPs backing a Blue Collar Conservatism campaign demanding the next Prime Minister introduce a Covenant, which would include measures to protect mental health of serving and retired officers, equip officers with the right resources and necessary powers to do the job.

The initiative won the backing of all 19 Conservative Police and Crime Commissioners up and down the country, the Police Superintendents’ Association and the Chair of the Police Federation of England.

The call for the Covenant was part of the Blue Collar Conservatism agenda, a group focused on talking and listening to regular voters about what they want to see government deliver on.

Tatton MP Esther McVey, who set up the BCC group in Westminster, said: “I’m delighted the government is introducing a Police Covenant and that ministers are already pursuing a Blue Collar Conservatism agenda.

“We ask the police to take risks like no other part of the public sector and a new Police Covenant will show that we recognise this. It will enshrine the nation's gratitude to the police for the dangerous work they do by ensuring that we pay and treat them properly, during and after their service, delivering positive results for our police and for the communities they work tirelessly to keep safe.”

Ms McVey said other measures that needed to be in the Covenant included the legal protection for tough decisions they take to protect the public as well as acknowledging them and police staff for their valued contribution.

She added: “I look forward to seeing the proposed detail and working with people on this. I have had many discussions with Police and Crime Commissioners, Police Federation representatives and Superintendents and I will be putting their views across to colleagues in the coming days to ensure this Covenant delivers on what it needs to.”

The Home Secretary said a Police Covenant would recognise the bravery and commitment of police officers.

He said: “I’m pleased to announce that the Government plans to introduce a Police Covenant to provide the support the police so richly deserve. This will be a pledge to do more as a nation to help those who serve this country. It will ensure the sacrifice made by the police is properly recognised. I’m in awe of every officer who plays their part in keeping this country safe. Rest assured, the Government has your back – and the Police Covenant will make sure of that.”

Mr Henderson said: “I was delighted to support the Blue Collar campaign to introduce a covenant for police officers. I will now be pressing colleagues to introduce a similar covenant for our hard-working prison officers, who on a daily basis face the same risks as police officers and too often work in an even more dangerous environment.”

A consultation will now take place on the principle and scope of the Police Covenant.