The following details about yesterdays meeting were published today (13th December) in a Met Police Federation Joint Executive Committee (JEC) Circular from the JEC General Secretary Mr. Neil Cratchley.

As you know the National Federation held a strategy meeting in Central London yesterday. The Metropolitan Police principal officers were invited and fully involved. We took the many and varied thoughts that you communicated to us and feel that a National ballot will give all members the opportunity to express their views.

As a result of the meeting the following action was agreed.

1. A National ballot will be held where officers will have the opportunity to vote on a number of issues. Clearly this will include whether or not we would seek a change in our current status that would enable us to use a range of options available through employment legislation. This would obviously include the right for officers to decide on the question of a withdrawal of their labour.

2. Before any National ballot there will be an information process allowing Federation membership to have the full facts at their disposal when making any decision.

3. There will be a mass rally in Central London as soon as it can be arranged. It is hoped that this will take place in January after Parliament re-convenes.

4. A concerted lobby of supportive MPs will continue whereby early day motions are laid. (An early day motion has the effect of keeping the issue
‘alive’ in Parliament and promotes debate. It also gives MPs the opportunity to register their support).

5. Local action days will be arranged whereby this issue can be discussed with MPs.

6. Template letters will be circulated to enable officers to write to MPs and other interested parties.

7. ‘e’ mail addresses to assist with all aspects of this process will also be supplied.

8. All Chief Officers and Police Authorities will be called upon to give us their full support.

9. There will be a press campaign through Media advertising to maintain and increase the level of public support.

10. Along with the National Federation, we will call for a new independent body to review our pay that does not allow Home office interference.

11. There was a vote of no confidence in the Home Secretary calling for her resignation.

In conclusion a pre-action letter has been served on the Home Secretary starting a judicial review to challenge her decision. The Federation is confident that we will be granted leave to have the process placed before the court but we cannot comment or predict the outcome.

There is no doubt that this is an attack on your pay and conditions now and in the future. We are grateful of the support shown so far and ask that this continues now and in the future during what could well be a long and sometimes painful dispute.

Neil Cratchley
JEC General Secretary