Good evening all, The Police Advisory Board for England and Wales is now being consulted on the changes originally announced in the Chancellor’s March Budget. As per previous updates the changes will benefit the survivors of officers that died on duty or travelling to or from work. The changes will not extend to those of us that have remarried or have moved in with a partner. As individuals we have one pressing question to ask the Prime Minister, Mike Penning the Policing Minister and the Home Secretary Theresa May. Obviously you need to choose the question that is appropriate for your situation: “My husband died after he had retired/My husband was a serving officer that did not die on duty; you have recognised the high risk of harm that police officers face as an everyday part of their jobs. Why then have you chosen not to honour my husband’s service by granting my widow’s/civil partner’s pension for life, in the same way as you have for the survivors of officers that died on duty?” “My wife died after she had retired/My wife was a serving officer that did not die on duty; you have recognised the high risk of harm that police officers face as an everyday part of their jobs. Why then have you chosen not to honour my wife’s service by granting my widower’s/civil partner’s pension for life, in the same way as you have for the survivors of officers that died on duty?” My husband died on duty and I have been blessed as I have found love again; you have recognised the high risk of harm that police officers face as an everyday part of their jobs. Why then have you chosen not to honour my husband’s service by granting my widow’s/civil partner’s pension for life just because I have remarried/moved in with a partner? My wife died on duty and I have been blessed as I have found love again; you have recognised the high risk of harm that police officers face as an everyday part of their jobs. Why then have you chosen not to honour my wife’s service by granting my widower’s/civil partner’s pension for life just because I have remarried/moved in with a partner? If you are a police survivor who’s loved one died on duty or travelling to or from work and you will benefit from the changes choose the question that is appropriate for you: “My husband died on duty/My husband died on his way to work/My husband died on his way home from work and in recognition of the high risk of harm that police officers face as an everyday part of their jobs, you are going to honour his service by granting my widow’s/civil partner’s pension for life. Why then have you chosen not to honour the service of all police officers by granting all survivors pensions for life? “My wife died on duty/My wife died on her way to work/ My wife died on her way home from work; and in recognition of the high risk or harm that police officers face as an everyday part of their jobs, you are going to honour her service by granting my widower’s/civil partner’s pension for life. Why then have you chosen not to honour the service of all police officers by granting all survivors pensions for life? I have written this poem in honour of all police officers that faced a high risk of harm as an everyday part of their jobs and died post retirement. A Life’s Worth of Policing Old Bill sits dozing, his chin upon his chest, he’s dreaming of ‘the good old days’ - policing at its best. He’s leaning over in his sleep a noble head to pat, that place beside the fire is empty now - where his faithful friend once sat. Bill’s wife looks upon him fondly, with memories of her own - of waiting for the dreaded knock which heralds life alone. She’d listen to his stories when he’d return home from a shift, making light of things he’d seen - his return a precious gift. Bill’s no longer dozing with chin upon his chest; he’s gone to find his faithful friend - to share eternal rest. Among the thin blue line of angels he’s gone to take his place, he’s lined up next to Jim and Joe a smile upon his face. “Where have you been Bill old pal? You certainly took your time!” Bill looks up just grins and says, “I’ve been fighting crime.” He’d been standing next to best mate Jim on the day he fell, saw the fear in his eyes and swore he’d never tell. Joe lasted five more years before that fateful day, Bill standing in stunned silence - as they bore his friend away. So Bill has lasted longest of the class of 64, and now he’s taken his proud place - amongst “Those who went before.” xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx You can ask your MP to forward your question to the Prime Minister, the Policing Minister and the Home Secretary. Mark all correspondence ‘Private and Confidential’. You can write directly to Mike Penning’s constituency office: mike@penning4hemel.com For those of you wishing to include the poem ‘Old Bill’ presented as an A4 poster please email me: CathrynHall@outlook.com Call your email ‘Old Bill Poem’ Please send me copies of any replies received. Cathryn