The Police Federation of England and Wales says it no longer has confidence in Home Secretary Priti Patel and has branded a pay freeze for officers “the
final straw”.

It has also withdrawn its support and engagement from the Police Remuneration Review Body, labelling the current pay mechanism ‘not fit for purpose’.

National Chair John Apter said: “The move follows Wednesday’s pay announcement and Home Secretary Priti Patel’s claim that the government ‘recognises the bravery, commitment and professionalism’ of police officers, while offering no improved financial package to our members to illustrate that is the case.”

The government announced yesterday it would give NHS workers in England a 3% pay rise backdated to April 2021 to recognise their pandemic efforts during an “unprecedented year” – but the sum was blasted as “paltry” and “shambolic”.