LOOKBACK
JAMES CALLAGHAN: A CENTENARY REFLECTION
As we approach the 100th anniversary of former Prime Minister James Callaghan’s birth, it’s the perfect time to look back at his unique relationship with the Police Federation – a connection that shaped British policing during his time in office and went on to influence his career leading the great offices of state
Prime Minister James Callaghan at The White House in 1977.
EARLY ENGAGEMENTS WITH THE POLICE FEDERATION Before rising to top government positions, Callaghan began as a paid parliamentary consultant to the Police Federation in 1955. He was well-qualified for such a role, having already served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and the Admiralty, and having cut his negotiating teeth as an official working for the Inland Revenue Staff Federation. Upon his appointment, Police Review reported that the Federation’s
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Joint Central Committee had sought an adviser who “…is best qualified to give expert advice and assistance on major issues which become subject to negotiation and arbitration… the appointment breaks new ground for the Federation.” Callaghan was regarded as tenacious,
with a tremendous grip on detail, and he turned these skills to the fight for better pay and working conditions for police officers, earning their respect as a true advocate in Parliament. As a parliamentary adviser,
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Callaghan was not afraid to challenge the government when he felt police officers were being treated unfairly. In a Commons debate in 1956, he strongly criticised the government for failing to improve police pay, arguing that low salaries were driving experienced officers out of the force. He warned, “In London alone, the rate of wastage is such that for every 10 men who join, nine are leaving. That is a most unsatisfactory state of affairs.” He further pointed out the dangers of chronic understaffing and the strain it placed on those who remained,
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