Latest news with #PoliceFederation
Telegraph
a day ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Police not ready for summer of unrest
Police have said that they are not ready for a summer of unrest as they warn they will have to divert officers away from neighbourhood duties to tackle protests over migrants. After days of protests against mass migration outside asylum hotels, and with more planned in the coming weeks, there are fears the UK could be heading for another summer of violent disorder. Writing for The Telegraph, below, Tiff Lynch, the head of the Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said officers were being 'pulled in every direction' and commanders were 'forced to choose between keeping the peace at home or plugging national gaps'. Unrest in Epping was a 'signal flare' for more to come, she said. The federation said that already-underfunded police forces would be forced to take officers away from neighbourhood policing duties to manage anti-migrant protests that turned violent. Official figures released by the Home Office show that the number of bobbies on the beat has already fallen to a record low. The number of officers in local policing has dropped from a peak of 67,785 in 2023 to 58,002 in 2025, according to the data. It comes after Essex Police came under fire for escorting anti-racism protesters to the Bell Hotel in Epping, where violence subsequently broke out. The force later took some of the anti-racism protesters away in police vans as they were 'clearly at risk of being hurt'. Demonstrations had taken place outside the hotel after a migrant, who has since been arrested, allegedly sexually assaulted a teenage girl just days after arriving in the UK. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, claimed the Essex force had 'directly facilitated the unrest we saw' and added: 'Heads must roll.' Ms Lynch said that if violent protests spread throughout the summer, it would be 'dangerous to assume' officers would be able to 'hold the line indefinitely'. She said: 'It would be comical if it weren't so serious – and so familiar. Local commanders are once again being forced to choose between keeping the peace at home or plugging national gaps.' The rioting that broke out in the wake of the Southport killings last year had 'exposed the deep fragility within our public order policing system', she said, adding: 'The gaps were plain to see: mutual aid stripped to the bone, co-ordination between forces lacking, and a total failure to anticipate how disorder is now sparked and fuelled online. 'Officers were left to face missiles with little more than a shield and a short briefing. The risks were there in black and white – yet little has improved since.' Ben-Julian Harrington, the Chief Constable of Essex Police, refused to resign over his handling of the protests and denied his officers had given a higher level of protection to anti-racism activists. Residents, who were protesting peacefully, said violence had been made inevitable by the decision to escort counter-protesters towards the hotel. Mr Harrington insisted that the only protection that officers were providing was to 'lawful and law-abiding people'. He argued that the 'irresponsible and criminal behaviour' of a minority of people at the protests was drawing officers in Essex away from investigating other crimes. Demonstrations outside hotels housing migrants have taken place in Norfolk and London in recent days, with more planned in other cities, including Bournemouth and Southampton, over the coming weeks. Tommy Robinson, the far-Right activist, called for his supporters to attend another demonstration outside a hotel in Norwich this week, stating that 'local communities have had enough'. Officers 'pulled in every direction' Ms Lynch said: 'Public order requires planning, investment and leadership. But officers are being pulled in every direction, asked to do more with less, and left in the dark about their future – all while being quietly sacrificed for short-term convenience. 'They will turn up. They always do. But it is dangerous to assume that they can continue to hold the line indefinitely, without the support they need or the recognition they deserve. 'A summer of further unrest is not inevitable. But it becomes far more likely if we once again fail to prepare.' The federation said that police pay had fallen by more than 20 per cent in real terms since 2010, but Ms Lynch added that 'this goes far beyond pay'. 'This is about whether the country still values the men and women who step forward when everything else breaks down. Right now, many of them feel utterly abandoned', she said. Labour is aiming to put 3,000 more bobbies on the beat by next spring and has pledged that every community will have dedicated teams that will spend their time in the community. From this month, all forces will be expected to guarantee police patrols in town centres and other 'hotspot' areas at peak times, such as Friday and Saturday nights in town centres or market days in rural communities. Writing for The Telegraph, Mr Farage said that counter-protest groups such as Stand Up To Racism had been given the 'red carpet treatment'. 'There's no doubt in my mind that, through their actions, Essex Police directly facilitated the unrest we saw', he added. Exhausted officers cannot continue to hold the line indefinitely By Tiff Lynch The disorder in Epping – where police officers were pelted with bricks and bottles outside an asylum hotel – was not just a troubling one-off. It was a signal flare. A reminder of how little it takes for tensions to erupt and how ill-prepared we remain to deal with it. Last summer's civil unrest exposed the deep fragility within our public order policing system. The gaps were plain to see: mutual aid stripped to the bone, co-ordination between forces lacking, and a total failure to anticipate how disorder is now sparked and fuelled online. Officers were left to face missiles with little more than a shield and a short briefing. The risks were there in black and white, yet little has improved since. Instead of strengthening our front line, we are continuing to sap its energy. More than 1,500 officers have been pulled from local forces to police a private visit by the US president. This was not a state occasion; it was a leisure trip. While he plays golf, communities hundreds of miles away are left without coverage, and already exhausted public order units are stretched even further. It would be comical if it weren't so serious – and so familiar. Local commanders are once again being forced to choose between keeping the peace at home or plugging national gaps. Meanwhile, anger is building. Every other public sector profession – from NHS staff to teachers and the Armed Forces – has had its annual pay award confirmed. Police officers, alone, are still waiting. With just weeks before the new pay period begins, there has been nothing but silence. It's hard not to see that delay as calculated; an attempt to avoid fuelling discontent in a workforce already under strain. If that's the plan, it is both cynical and dangerous. Officers don't need a message of reassurance. They need action and respect. Through our Copped Enough campaign, we hear from officers who are at breaking point. Working relentless overtime, not as a choice but as an expectation. Taking second jobs to keep up with rising costs. Watching friends and colleagues walk away because the personal toll has become too great. Behind each uniform is a person, someone with a family, responsibilities, and limits. When officers are stretched to breaking point, the effects ripple far beyond the front line. It impacts home lives, mental health and long-term wellbeing. These are not just statistics or headlines. These are real people carrying the weight of a system in crisis. This goes far beyond pay. This is about whether the country still values the men and women who step forward when everything else breaks down. Right now, many of them feel utterly abandoned. Policing cannot function on goodwill alone. Public order requires planning, investment and leadership. But officers are being pulled in every direction, asked to do more with less, and left in the dark about their future – all while being quietly sacrificed for short-term convenience. They will turn up. They always do. But it is dangerous to assume that they can continue to hold the line indefinitely, without the support they need or the recognition they deserve. A summer of further unrest is not inevitable. But it becomes far more likely if we once again fail to prepare.
The Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- The Independent
1,500 police officers redeployed for Donald Trump's golf visit to Scotland
US president Donald Trump 's visit to the UK on Friday has caused the redeployment of 1,500 police officers to support his private trip to Scotland, causing mayhem for police chiefs. The last minute request, which was only received last week, will see one per cent of the policing population redeployed on Friday to help with security for Mr Trump's five-day private visit to his golf resorts in both Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire. Concerns have also been raised about the cost of the policing operation, with officers likely to cancel rest days to ensure adequate staffing and having to work additional hours. Tiff Lynch, national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: 'Let's be clear: this is a private visit by a head of state to play golf. 'And we are pulling 1,500 officers—roughly a third of the size of an average police force in England and Wales—away from their normal duties to support it. That should stop anyone in their tracks. 'These are officers who would otherwise be responding to emergencies, safeguarding the vulnerable, and reassuring communities. Instead, they're being asked to give up rest days and work excessive hours to police a leisure visit. 'Our members will always act with professionalism and pride. But it's hard not to ask the obvious question: what message does this send about where policing priorities lie?'. Known as Operation Roll, the exact numbers of police involved have not been revealed but it is expected to require Police Scotland 's entire cadre of police liaison officers. Mr Trump is also expected to meet with prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish first minister John Swinney during his private trip. The visit is likely to result in widespread protests, following similar demonstrations during his last visit to Scotland. Chief Superintendent Rob Hay, president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (Asps), said the visit of the US president would require a 'significant operation across the country over many days' from Police Scotland. His comments come in the wake of similar concerns from the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) – the body which represents rank and file officers. Asked about the visit, David Kennedy, the general secretary of the SPF, told BBC Radio Scotland: 'Anyone who says it won't affect it (policing in Scotland), I can't believe that's the case. 'It will affect it. You may be waiting in the past for so many hours for a police officer to arrive, that could double now, you may be waiting for more time for them to arrive. 'Obviously, emergency calls will take priority, but it will affect communities in Scotland.' While Mr Swinney accepted the need for 'security around the president' has also said there 'has to be the legitimate right for individuals in our country to make their voices heard, to protest'. Mr Swinney stated: 'We are a democratic society and people must be able to protest within the law and the policing operation will be designed to ensure that is the case.' With the president's visit expected to include the opening of a second golf course at the Menie resort in Aberdeenshire, Mr Swinney said: 'I obviously spend a lot of my time as first minister encouraging investment in our country, so I welcome investment in the facilities that are being taken forward.'
The Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Violent protests taking ‘massive toll' on police
UK police forces are under immense pressure from violent protests, with warnings of a potential summer of unrest and concerns about officer welfare. Disturbances in Epping, outside a hotel housing asylum seekers, have cost Essex Police £100,000 and led to eight officers being injured. The Police Federation reports a significant rise in officers taking mental health leave and high resignation rates, attributing this to low morale, declining pay, and stretched resources. The redeployment of 1,500 officers to Scotland for Donald Trump 's private visit is further straining police resources across the country. Political figures have commented on the situation, with Angela Rayner warning of more riots and Kemi Badenoch urging vigilance regarding social cohesion.
The Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Police fears over summer riots as forces already ‘stretched to the maximum'
Protests and demonstrations that have turned violent are taking a 'massive toll' on police forces across the UK, it has been warned, as fears rise over the prospect of another summer of riots. Recent scenes of unrest in Epping outside a hotel believed to house asylum seekers have already cost £100,000, with Essex Police forced to draft in support from neighbouring forces after the protests turned ugly with bottles and flares thrown at police, injuring eight officers. Last July and August, 40,000 officer shifts were worked by public order officers over 10 days to tackle the riots sparked by misinformation online after three girls were stabbed to death in Southport. With concerns mounting that the UK could be facing another summer of unrest, the police union has warned that forces are close to breaking point. Brian Booth, deputy chair of the Police Federation, said the UK's national mobilisation plan, which sees officers redeployed to assist other forces when needed, means staff miss rest days and additional hours at a time when resignation rates are 'off the scale' due to low morale and pay. 'What we've seen throughout this year is sporadic incidents that need dealing with. 'It's a good idea, we're not knocking it, but it means officers are pulled from frontline duties and puts an extra demand on forces. It comes from frontline policing and you then have traffic officers missing from duties, those in the community pulled out and they then have to cancel their rest days and extend their working patterns.' He added: 'The demand has got too high, the service is stretched to the maximum. It's like an elastic band, and all of a sudden, we'll have a snap. There's only so much pressure that can be placed on them.' He stressed that while police chiefs had a designated budget to assist lawful protests, that budget is stretched when demonstrations turn violent and require a larger police response. 'The budgets are cut so slim now that there's no fat left,' he said. A new report from the Police Federation, published on Tuesday, found 17,700 police officers have been signed off for mental health reasons – an 182 per cent increase in the past 12 years – with many citing burnout, stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. It comes as anger mounts among police forces, with average annual pay falling by a fifth in real terms since 2010. 'The morale is terrible,' Mr Booth said. 'A lot of my colleagues are really angry. People are leaving, we have the highest rate of mid-service leavers, and the resignation scales are off the scale.' 'I know over the next few weeks that the anger will be rising among the ranks now that the government has broken for recess, and we're the only public service that hasn't had the pay award. We've got an unhappy workforce and I think the government needs to realise that.' It comes as 1,500 officers will be redeployed from frontline duties to Scotland on Friday to support President Donald Trump's private visit to his golf courses. 'We were notified over the Trump visit in a short period, we were told they needed 1,5000 officers only last week. That's one per cent of the population of policing. Chief constables are now trying to scramble around trying to find the numbers to detract from other duties,' he said. On Tuesday, Angela Rayner addressed the Epping protests and warned the UK faces another summer of riots unless 'the government shows it can address people's concerns'. In a dramatic intervention, the deputy prime minister said economic insecurity, immigration, the increasing time people spend online, and declining trust in institutions were having a 'profound impact on society'. On Wednesday, Essex Police said they had arrested 10 people after a series of protests outside the Bell Hotel, in Epping, which began after a 38-year-old, believed to be an asylum seeker being housed there, was charged with sexual assault. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch played down the notion of further riots this summer, but said 'we need to be very, very vigilant'. The leader of the Conservatives also blamed Labour for the strains on social cohesion, adding: 'Yvette Cooper is waving things through. Rachel Reeves is not providing the money. I'm not surprised. Angela Rayner is saying the social fabric is fraying, but she needs to do something about it.'
Rhyl Journal
2 days ago
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Record number of police officers sacked amid drop in force numbers
Latest Home Office data reveals 426 officers were dismissed or had their contracts terminated in the 12 months to March. This is up 17% year on year from the previous record of 365 and more than double the number fired at the start of the decade, when 164 officers were dismissed in 2019/20. The latest 12-month period also saw 4,806 officers voluntarily leaving policing: the second-highest number since records began in 2006 and down slightly from the peak of 5,151 in 2023/24. The figures come as ministers have sought to tighten rules on standards to improve confidence in policing, while they have also faced warnings from forces that funding falls short to keep its existing workforce. A total of 146,442 full-time equivalent (FTE) police officers were in post at the end of March 2025, down almost 1% from 147,745 at the same point last year, which was the highest in modern times. Last month, plans for an average 2.3% rise in police spending per year faced backlash from police leaders, who warned a projected £1.2 billion shortfall will continue to grow and leave forces facing further cuts. Acting national chairwoman of the Police Federation, Tiff Lynch, had said: 'We will lose 10,000 experienced officers a year to resignation by the end of this spending review period, driven out by poor pay and unacceptable working conditions.' Chairman of the National Police Chiefs' Council Gavin Stephens added that the amount 'falls far short' of what is needed to fund Government plans and to maintain the existing workforce. Ministers have committed to recruiting 13,000 more neighbourhood policing officers by 2029, with 3,000 extra recruits to be in post by April 2026. Reacting to the figures, the Conservatives said the falling police numbers were a 'devastating blow' to neighbourhoods dealing with rising crime and anti-social behaviour. The figures cover the last three months of the former Conservative government, and the first nine months of Labour in power. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said: 'Labour has let down policing and has let down the public. 'We need police to catch criminals, respond to 999 calls, investigate crime and patrol our streets. 'Labour has massively increased our taxes, squandered the money, and now they're reducing police numbers. The public are less safe as a result of Labour's incompetence.' The Home Office has been contacted for comment.
