The Metropolitan Police Federation Open meeting took place yesterday evening (13th Sept) at the Methodist Hall, Westminster and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who supported the event.

In excess of 2000 colleagues attended and helped ensure that the politicians present were left in no doubt as to the anger felt, throughout the Service, about the governments meddling and mishandling of our tried and tested pay formula.

John Francis - PFEW General Secretary & 8 Region Inspectors rep began proceedings by providing those gathered with a brief explanation of the Staff side claim for 3.9%, how that figure had been calculated and then updated us as to exactly how and why the negotiations have again resulted in a Police pay arbitration hearing.

Read John's speech here

Inspector Glen Smyth - Met Fed Chairman then delivered a rousing speech in which he exposed the double standards of a Government who on one hand have publicly praised police officers bravery and resilience whilst on the other refusing to allow the 'official side' of PNB the flexibility to negotiate a 'fair' deal.

Read Glen's speech here

As Glen said in closing the meeting, whilst we in the Federation have and will continue to articulate as best we can the anger and frustration we know our colleagues have over this issue- it is far better when you our membership, tell them in your own words exactly what you think. Those present yesterday evening certainly did that!

Thanks again for your support. If you haven't signed the E petition yet please do so and encourage as many other people as you can to do likewise.