South Wales Police Federation chair Steve Treharne recently met with four of our region’s MPs to update them on police officers’ concerns and priorities.

Steve was part of a delegation from Wales and including national Police Federation board members, who attended a drop-in event at the House of Commons, hosted by Rt Hon David Jones, MP for Clwyd West.

They met with Labour MPs Gerald Jones (Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney), Ruth Jones (Newport West), Beth Winter (Cynon Valley) and Independent MP Christina Rees, as well as Conservative Secretary of State for Wales David Davies MP.

Elizabeth Medal

Issues raised included #SimplifyDG6, our campaign to reduce the burden of paperwork involved in the pre-charge stage of a case. As well as the need for an Elizabeth Medal for the families of fallen officers, and for a time limit to be applied to misconduct investigations against police officers.

Steve said: “It is important to have these cross-party meetings with our elected representatives, whether at Cardiff or Westminster. 

“I know sometimes members question the value of such meetings, but history shows us that the Federation can achieve changes in the law which benefit policing when we have these engagements and win the hearts and minds of our politicians.”

Steve Treharne (left) with MP Christina Rees and the PFEW Welsh lead, Nicky Ryan

 He pointed to the Federation’s 2018 national Protect the Protectors campaign which resulted in a doubling of sentences for assaults on emergency services workers, demonstrating that forging strong cross-party connections can pays dividends.

Additionally, the Police Crime Courts and Sentencing Act 2022 included provisions campaigned for by the Federation, including the Police Covenant, greater protection in law for police drivers and allowing Special Constables to join the membership.

Steve added: “If MPs are going to stand up in Parliament and talk about policing, then it is vital that they speak to police officers and the Federation - those of us who know policing – to understand everyday concerns and frustrations. This is where drop-in events like these prove vital.”

The Protect the Protectors campaign

Welsh Lead Nicky Ryan was present along with the Federation’s national chair Steve Hartshorn and deputy national chair Tiff Lynch.

Nicky said: “What’s great about drop-in events like this is, there are no cameras there, no media, it’s a space to have those honest and open conversations. Even if MPs don’t necessarily throw their support behind our campaigns, at least it gives us an opportunity to discuss them and raise awareness of our issues.

“And it gives Police Federation representatives the chance to hear about the concerns and issues had by members of the public too. Of course, we have our own priorities and so do MPs - it’s so easy to become tunnel-visioned with our own agendas.

“Having honest conversations with one another gives us all the chance to discuss both local and national issues that need to be addressed.”

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