Hello and welcome to this month's blog.
PCs Tom Clough and Matthew Blades
It’s devastating to start the blog this way. I know that I’m not the only one who will be going through a range of emotions at the senseless killing of Tom and Mathew. I’m hurt and angry.
Two fine officers who dedicated their lives to protecting the good in society.
Two men who stood up for what’s right and ensured that people could feel safer in the world.
Two of the very best who paraded for duty that night, unaware of what was to follow.
Two heroes who didn’t return home to their loved ones.
This loss will hit all of those in policing deep. It could be any one of us - but it should be none of us.
At this time, I know that I won’t be the only one who’s angry about how events have unfolded. Utterly needless and incomprehensible. I know these feelings are only human, but I want to focus on being grateful to both of these officers and on the impact they had.
I know that many of you will know Tom, who served with British Transport Police, and this event will be difficult to digest. Tom served with us between 2018 and 2022 and worked in Euston, Darlington, and Middlesbrough.
I am thankful for Tom and Mathew’s service. May they rest in peace.
Death of Ricki Sandhu
It was with great sadness that we recently learned of the death of our colleague, Ricki Sandhu. Ricki was with BTP for over 20 years and served in the London divisions in a variety of roles. Ricki’s passing will be felt by many, and my thoughts, and those of everyone connected to the Federation, are with his loved ones and colleagues. May he rest in peace.
PC Andrew Harper
The recent news around the potential early release of the killers of Andrew Harper has had a profound impact on not just those in policing but the wider community. The mere possibility is abhorrent and rightly brought overwhelming outrage. The chair of Thames Valley Police Federation, Aileen O Connor, has been instrumental in fighting this injustice, and Andrew’s loved ones have again responded with great dignity and class. I’m grateful that our Chief Constable was also vocal in her support in challenging this decision and also signed the joint letter from the NPCC.
There must be tougher and stricter sentences for those who think it’s acceptable to kill or injure emergency service workers. The same people who keep them and their families safe must have greater protections, and any sanctions must be adhered to with no opportunity for early release. The government must respond accordingly. You’ll see later in this blog some information on correspondence between this Federation and government ministers.
If you haven’t yet signed Aileen’s petition, then I’d fully encourage you to do so. I’ve provided the link here. It’ll only take a couple of minutes, but by doing so you could make a real difference.
UPDATE: As we add this blog to the website, it has been confirmed today (30 August 2026) that PC Andrew Harper’s killers, and many others convicted of unlawful killing, including all forms of manslaughter, will remain behind bars.
Lewes Train Derailment
The recent derailment in Lewes showed yet again that when a major incident occurs, those working within BTP are the best policing has to offer. We have had our fair share of major incidents in this last year or so, and on each occasion our members have been impeccable. When a major incident such as this happens, your already high workload faces further significant demands.
It was pleasing that we were able to deploy the Federation welfare vehicle to this incident swiftly. Thanks to the dedication of the Federation representatives who juggled work and personal demands, the vehicle was moved from an event in Harrogate to the scene, where it remained for several days, providing shelter and refreshments for those on scene.
You’ll perhaps be aware that I’ve been critical of the Force in the past around their lack of welfare and wellbeing provisions for those at major incidents, with there being a particular over-reliance on the Federation welfare vehicle at the recent train crash in Bedfordshire. I had raised my concerns with senior leaders and suggested ways that the force can improve should these situations arise - and we know they can arise at any time.
I’m really pleased that for this major incident there has been a marked difference in the welfare and wellbeing provisions from BTP. Getting what some people may see as basic or minor issues correct at incidents like this goes a long way. It’s important that if I’m quick to be critical when the standards from the Force drop below what we expect, then it’s right that I’m also prepared to give them credit when they get things right. This can’t be the exception, however; a standard has been set, and I’m keen that when the next major incident arises the Force reacts in the same way. This Federation will work with them to support that.
I want to pay particular thanks to Chief Supt Ioannou, who has worked tirelessly to ensure that the wellbeing and welfare of the officers is not taken for granted and is recognised.
Political Matters
There have been a range of different political matters that I have been involved in recently that I’d like to update you on:
Justice and court delays
I have raised my concerns about court delays affecting officers who become victims of crime on duty with the Rt Hon Alex Norris MP, Secretary of State for Justice and Alex Davies-Jones MP, Minister for Victims.
It cannot be right that you, as officers, if assaulted or threatened in the line of duty, often wait months or years for your cases to reach court, while still being expected to carry on doing the job that put you at risk. In my letter, I noted the unusual position that you are in, i.e. that you are simultaneously victim, witness, emergency worker, and frontline responder.
I highlighted the toll on wellbeing, workforce resilience, and confidence in the justice system, and proposed:
Greater use of swift, proportionate disposal routes for straightforward assaults on officers.
Cutting unnecessary repeat court attendance.
Better coordination between forces, the CPS and courts when listing cases involving officers.
I was careful to stress this isn't a call for preferential treatment, but for recognition that delays have a wider impact when the victim is also essential frontline personnel.
Welfare of officers under investigation
I have contacted Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State for Welfare and Policing, about welfare protections and investigation timescales for officers under investigation.
I argued that despite the presumption of innocence, officers under investigation can face serious career, financial, and psychological consequences, and that current welfare guidance isn't legally enforceable.
I have called for:
A national, legally enforceable minimum welfare standard (e.g. a formal welfare assessment within 14 days, access to psychological/occupational health support, regular reviews).
A possible charter setting out officers' protections while under investigation.
Maximum investigation timescales, with independent approval needed for extensions, and progress updates at least every 28 days.
My view was that fairness and accountability should apply throughout the process.
End-to-end review of the police accountability system
I have shared my letter to the Policing Minister with the team responsible for reviewing the police accountability system. Dame Lynne Owens and Jason Beer KC have been appointed as chairs and are accountable to the Home Secretary and Lord Chancellor for delivery of the review.
I have also sought guidance on how this Federation can participate in the review and submit material that illustrates the challenges and unfairness of the current system.
Concessionary rail travel
Lastly, I have again written to Lord Hendy on this topic, as I have received no response to my previous letter sent on 10 June.
Despite policing the rail network, BTP officers don't universally receive concessionary travel, unlike some Home Office forces. This issue has been under consideration since it was first raised with the Transport Select Committee in July 2022.
The common thread of our political engagement is to push for officers to receive treatment that reflects the distinct nature of policing work.
To be frank, this particular piece of work has been incredibly frustrating, and I feel like I’ve constantly been banging my head against a wall. However, I won’t let this one rest, and we won’t go away because it may seem to some that it’s in the ‘too difficult to do box.’
This is an area where I know that the Authority, the Force, and the Federation are all aligned. Hopefully, before I get much greyer, I’ll be able to share some positive news on this front.
Pay Award
The recent pay award recommendation of 3.5% has some mixed emotions attached to it. Whilst it’s welcome in the fact that it’s a rise and more than what was rumoured at one point, it still falls far short of what you all deserve.
I’d like to invite all the decision makers within this process to come and follow you all for a set of shifts. Not for photo opportunities or to make themselves look good on social media, but to understand the challenges and demands that you truly face. The frustration of shift changes due to poor staffing levels, the visits to the hospital to get checked out after an assault, the trauma of dealing with another fatality on the railway. The sinking feeling of having to call home and tell your kids you can’t put them to bed because you need to stay at work.
These things happen, and they are non-stop.
Commonwealth Games
The recent Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow was another major event where we got to see different parts of our force work together. It was welcome to see the planning and preparation that went into this come to fruition, where it was apparent that the welfare of the officer attached to the event had been considered.
I’m really pleased that this Federation played a vital part in that by having our welfare vehicle present for the duration of the games. The vehicle allows our members a space to unwind and relax, grab a brew or a tin of juice or even, on some occasions, put on some sun cream - I know all too well how unusual that is for Scotland!
But the important thing is that it’s an investment that’s there to be used and to support you all. If you will be taking part in an event, please reach out to your local Fed rep, who can assist with the vehicle request.
I hope that you’ve found this month's blog useful. Please don’t forget to reach out to your Federation reps should you need any assistance. Stay safe and look after each other.
All the best,
Stuart Cowan - Chair of BTP Federation