Pay protest police rally

The peaceful protest was organised by the Police Federation as part of a dispute with the Home Office over pay and conditions.

If proposed changes go ahead, officers could find their overtime rates cut.

Steve Edwards, chairman of the Lancashire Police Federation, spoke exclusively to The Citizen on his way to Westminster.

He said: "We are against the reduction in overtime rates and are suspicious of the lack of detail in relation to competence related performance payments, and have a lack of trust that the actual package would be implemented fully. We're concerned about the cheapening of the police forces and we feel we are being ignored. We are hopeful they will listen to our views."

According to Mr Edwards, the majority of Lancashire officers are against the proposed changes. He said: "The pay and conditions package went to a national ballot of police officers. In Lancashire 83 per cent voted against it."

The Lancashire branch of the Federation, based at the constabulary's headquarters in Hutton, is hoping to meet with local MPs.

Mr Edwards said: "We don't have the right to strike so we are hoping that this will let the Home Office, the Government and the public know what our feelings are and influence them. We're hoping some compromise will be found over the pay and conditions package.

"We're not unreasonable people. We just want them to take our views on board."

Preston MP Mark Hendrick said: "What's on offer is an increase in salary in return for police accepting that overtime isn't there as a right."

The Home Office said they hope to resolve the dispute with the Police Federation.

A spokesman said: "We very much want the consultation process on police pay and conditions to work. We are aware of the comments made by the Police Federation today on police pay and reforms.

"But we are in the middle of a consultation process and as such do not want to get into an argument."