Good morning, Apologies in advance for any mistakes in this update but it is vital that it goes out as soon as possible. Following our visit to Downing Street yesterday we went to Portcullis House for a photo opportunity with Shadow Home Secretary MP Andy Burnham. This announcement was made in the House of Commons as we were making our way to Portcullis House at approx. 3.17pm: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b06jn6nv/house-of-commons-home-office-questions Scroll to 47.06 minutes. When we were talking to Mr Burnham he asked us if we knew that an announcement had been made, and then a member of his staff kindly showed us the recording of the Home Secretary speaking during House of Commons Home Office Questions. We had informed David Cameron's constituency office via Amanda Keylock that we were visiting Downing Street yesterday - it can be no coincidence that they chose to make the announcement just a week after David Phillips' death and to coincide with us being in Westminster. I can understand why the Government would seize upon this opportunity to make the announcement when it did as it makes sound political sense. However, that doesn’t mean that I approve, but those are the rules of engagement in politics - exploit all opportunities as they present themselves to show your party in the best possible light. Our job now is to spread the word that we have not achieved parity with N I, and whilst the timing of the announcement wasn't known to us beforehand, it wasn't exactly surprising, and we did know that the changes announced were in the pipeline. In all communications please pay due deference to the Government and acknowledge that we are grateful for progress so far, but we are still seeking parity with Northern Ireland and lifelong pensions for all police widows, and the reinstatement of pensions revoked due to remarriage of moving in with a partner. Please contact your MPs, local papers, radio, tv stations etc. to let them know that our fight is not over. As always let me have a record of communications please: CathrynHall@outlook.com I will update you when I know about next moves etc. Today will be spent trying to keep the campaign high on the political agenda. As soon as I know more I will tell you - I will not be able to comment on the impact upon individual cases at this point, and in any case that job ultimately will fall to a combination of the relevant government departments, force pension administrators, NARPO etc. I was looking forward to giving you a leisurely account of our visit to Downing Street and the activities surrounding it - but in the meantime many thanks to; Diane Burns, Paul Clarke (PFEW Comms), David Conroy, Alex Duncan PFEW, James Igoe and Amanda Keylock and Amanda's friend Jo for accompanying me to Downing Street and their part in what was a fabulous day. The biggest thank is due to my partner John to getting me to and from London with an overheating car engine on both journeys. The day has taken it's toll him - bless him. I was hoping for a relaxing day today but no rest for the wicked! Cathryn