Police strike ballot ‘signals a loss of trust’

Published on 19/10/2012 00:31

The former head of the ­Metropolitan Police has called for action to tackle a breakdown in trust between officers and the Government.

Lord Blair of Broughton said the Police Federation was ­intending to ballot its members on the right to strike for the first time in 93 years.

He asked Home Office ­minister Lord Taylor of Holbeach: “Do you believe that indicates a breakdown in trust between the police service of all ranks in ­England and Wales and the ­government?

“Secondly, do you accept, as I do, that a very substantial number of police officers ­believe that there has been a breakdown in trust? Thirdly, what is the government going to do about it?”

Lord Blair said at question time in the House of Lords that he had put down his question before government chief whip Andrew Mitchell’s notorious “imbroglio” with police at the gates to Downing Street had ­become public.

Lord Taylor said Home Secretary Theresa May had been clear police officers can not strike and that was “not going to change”.

He said Mrs May regularly met police and ministers were “looking at ways we can ensure a greater input from officers of all ranks in policing matters”.

He added: “We will continue to engage with police officers and staff to ensure that their ­opinions help shape future ­policing policies.”