Police Federations anger at MOD Plans
The UK Police Federations have reacted angrily to news today that their counterparts in Gibraltar are to have officer numbers reduced by up to 60 per cent. The source of the wide-ranging discontent comes from both the historical mistreatment of the GSP by MOD, and the fact that the GSP Staff Association was not consulted on fundamental changes to their role and responsibilities.
Terry Spence, Chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland said:
'These proposals are a disgrace to the MOD. The plans to reduce officer numbers and disband their marine section are based on decisions made by people with no practical experience of policing. They have not been advised at all by anyone with a full and proper understanding of the requirements for policing and security in Gibraltar.'
Kevan Jones MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, met with the GSPSA last month and told them everything was 'off the table', and that the GSPSA would be involved in all formal discussions on future policing needs for Gibraltar. However, the Minister seems to have done a U-turn on his proposals, and his suggestion of a Working Group with an independent Chair has been replaced with a totally ineffective MOD puppet Group, with no influence whatever on changes to policing and security in Gibraltar.
Norrie Flowers, Vice President of Eurocop (The European Confederation of Police) said:
'I've worked with and alongside Police Representative Organisations throughout Europe. The treatment our colleagues in Gibraltar are being subjected to can only be described as shabby and disgraceful. I call on the Minister to revisit his decision, and urge other Police Representative Organisations to lend their support. The GSPSA deserve recognition and respect not betrayal and treachery'.
Alex Robertson, Chairman of the British Transport Police called on the Minister:
'…to treat the GSPSA as he would their counterparts in the UK and negotiate openly and with good faith. This bullying colonial attitude by PJHQ and Command in Gibraltar should not be tolerated in 21st Century industrial relations.'
Eamon Keating, Chairman of the Defence Police Federation said:
'We fully support the need for our counterparts in Gibraltar to have a full and active contribution to the Consultation process on their future. They are a comparatively small organisation, but are tasked with a vital role in the defence of MOD assets abroad. Last year, the GSP celebrated their 70th anniversary, and to ignore the benefits that such a tradition of service and breadth of experience can bring to the Consultation will only be detrimental to any determination on the future for policing and security in Gibraltar.'
