A campaign headed by Tatton MP Esther McVey calling for a Police Covenant to be introduced has been adopted by Government today.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid announced a Covenant will be made law and he will now consult on what measures should be included.
The promise come a week after Ms McVey’s campaign secured the backing of more than 60 Conservative MPs, all 19 Conservative Police and Crime Commissioners up and down the country, the Police Superintendents’ Association and from the Chair of the Police Federation of England.
Ms McVey said: “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.
“I am delighted officers in Cheshire will be getting the recognition they deserve. The idea for the Police Covenant stemmed from conversations I had with officers and that is why I am so passionate about this.”
The call formed part of the Blue Collar Conservatism agenda, a group headed by Ms McVey in Westminster. The MPs wants to listen and talk with regular voters about what policies government should be delivering on in a bid to reconnect with people.
Ms McVey added: “I’m delighted the government is introducing a Police Covenant and that ministers are already pursuing a Blue Collar Conservatism agenda. 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.”
A consultation will now take place on the principle and scope of the Police Covenant.
