Hi everyone, I hope that you all had a good Christmas and that so far 2015 is treating you well. Today is Col’s birthday – had he lived he would be 68. On ‘International Colin’s Day’ I asked you to give him a smile and a cheery wave, for his birthday celebration - treat yourself to a glass of your favourite tipple and have a drink on his behalf. As for me I am here to update you on progress and the next stage of our campaign. In his most recent letter Rt Hon Mike Penning MP - Minister for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims had this to say: "... Ministers must be able to exercise discretion where there are compelling and clear arguments, like those presented in respect of the special circumstances of military personnel and their families........This alongside the risks faced by military personnel, presents a unique set of circumstances which provides a justification for changing the rules in this specific instance." I have written back to say that it will be easy for us to present compelling and clear arguments - that the risks faced by military personnel are not unique. One has only to open a newspaper or turn on the TV to know the risks faced each and every day by serving police officers. Military families are undoubtedly affected by the service of their spouse, parent or relative, but so too are the families of police officers. Will you help me to present our compelling and clear arguments to Mr Penning? You all have a role to play should you be willing; police officers please write about the risks that you face as a result of your job, and the how your family are affected by your service. Retired officers – you can speak of the risks you faced during your service and the effects upon your families at the time and upon you now during your retirement. The families of police officers, how does/did their service affect you? Police widows and widowers whether or not your spouse died on duty –you will know exactly what to say. What it is like listening for the key in the door or hearing instead the dreaded ‘knock on the door’. I have explained to Mr Penning that we should not be required to write of our experiences over and over; I have asked him to do the right thing so that there is never a need for us to do so again. Civilian staff that work alongside the police, you will have observed the dangers faced by officers – indeed as a result of your work you may have shared their experiences first hand. Signatories of this petition that have no friends or family connected with the force – you can explain to Mr Penning how you view the dangers facing police officers and the affects upon their families. What have you read in the newspapers on the subject – what have you seen on the news? What does your common sense tell you about their role? I attach my letters to Mr Penning to an email sent to his Hemel Hempstead constituency email address: mailto:mike@penning4hemel.com Where it says subject I write ‘Private and Confidential’ Police Widows’ Pensions and I write Private and Confidential on the attached letter. This makes it more likely that the man himself will actually get to read your letter. If you could also send a copy of your letter to me at this email address: CathrynHall@outlook.com marked as ‘Evidence’ that would be great. This year Col would have been receiving his police pension for 19 years – I could have received 50% of his pension for 38 years without it costing the government or the tax payer a penny more than if he had lived to receive it himself. I received my widow’s pension for 14 years before it was taken away. Thank you as always for your sterling support. Happy birthday Col – we miss you.