LOOKBACK
James Callaghan, Jimmy Carter, and Helmut Schmidt at 10 Downing Street, during the 1977 Economic Summit
stating that officers “deserved far better treatment.” In another parliamentary debate,
Callaghan emphasised that “if we are to maintain an efficient police force, we must ensure that their pay is competitive with other professions that require similar skill, dedication, and integrity.” His advocacy ensured that police concerns remained on the political agenda, and he used his influence to press for reforms that would improve officers’ financial security and working conditions.
CHAMPIONING POLICE PAY AND CONDITIONS Callaghan would go on to play a pivotal role in the detailed discussions and negotiations surrounding police remuneration, while also continuing to represent police officers in tenacious contributions to Parliament. In 1958, he took up the cause of police pensions, arguing that officers who had dedicated decades of service should not face financial insecurity in retirement. He criticised the lack of adequate pension provisions, emphasising that the government had a duty to ensure
fair treatment for officers after years of service. “We ask the police to give a lifetime of service, yet we do not guarantee them security in their later years. This is unacceptable,” he declared. In a 1959 debate, Callaghan once again championed the Police Federation’s concerns, warning that the government’s reluctance to address pay disparities could lead to a recruitment crisis. He
“Callaghan emphasised
that if we are to maintain an efficient police force, we must ensure that their pay is competitive with other professions.”
argued that the Home Office’s failure to act was leading to an exodus of skilled officers—a problem that could only be resolved by significantly improving pay and conditions. His commitment to police welfare was evident in his remarks that officers faced “great difficulties” due to these legislative shortcomings. He stated, “A police officer should not have to rely on the goodwill of the public for his financial security; he should have fair and just treatment from the
government.” Callaghan formed a formidable double act with his close friend Arthur Charles Evans, the Federation’s Secretary. The two were widely celebrated for the 1960 pay negotiations, which resulted in a deal the Joint Central Committee called “vindication of the long-expressed views of the Federation, as to the real causes and effects of depressed rates of pay.”
A DECADE IN HIGH OFFICE: NAVIGATING COMPLEX WATERS Callaghan’s role at the Federation ended shortly after that successful pay
negotiation, but as he trod the path to high ministerial office, he often strayed back into law and order territory. In 1967, Callaghan was appointed Home Secretary under Prime Minister Harold Wilson. Given his background, expectations were that he would adopt a conservative stance on law and order. However, his approach was multifaceted. During the late 1960s, the UK witnessed significant civil unrest, notably the anti-Vietnam War protests. These
43 | POLICE | JUNE | 2025
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