Lancashire Police Federation

02/09/2026

Historic 1 Million Signature Petition Delivered to Downing Street

This afternoon Thames Valley Police Federation went to Number 10 Downing Street to drop off the petition signed by more than 1 million people calling for the killers of PC Andrew Harper to not be released early from prison.

A historic public backing for police officers - which left the Government with no choice but to act and change their early release plans.

Aileen O’Connor, Chair of Thames Valley Police Federation, said: “The fact that more than 1 million people signed our petition calling for the killers of PC Andrew Harper to remain behind bars was a historic public backing for police officers.

“We want to thank each and every person from across the United Kingdom and the who signed it - and provided this incredible support for the police service and our colleagues working out there now, risking it all keeping the public safe.

“The fact Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his Government - despite saying it could not be done – this week eventually listened and made the right decision to keep these lowlifes behind bars has to be welcomed.

“But let’s be clear – we all left them with no option.

“The weight of public and policing anger at the plans for early release of those who kill police officers was huge. And that’s why we feel we had to still deliver this petition in person today.

“To properly acknowledge and recognise the strength of support.

“And to put the Government on notice that we will not stand – as police officers – to be treated with such disdain in the future."

30/08/2026

Prime Minister Announces PC Andrew Harper's Killers To Stay In Jail - following relentless Thames Valley Police Federation Campaign.

TVP Federation Chair Aileen O'Connor reacts after Andy Burnham announced this morning the killers of PC Andrew Harper would now NOT be eligible for early release.

Thanks from TVP Federation go to everyone - and all Police Federations - who backed their campaign.

Aileen said: “PC Andrew Harper made the ultimate sacrifice for the job that he loved, serving communities, serving society.

“His killers should never have been considered for early release. It remains shocking that they were.

“We are pleased that the Government - despite what was frankly initial reluctance – has eventually listened, seen sense and made the right decision to keep these lowlifes behind bars.

“They had no option.

“The weight of public and policing opinion against such plans was overwhelming.

“The fact that more than 1 million people signed our petition over this was a historic public backing for police officers.

“The fact 50 Chief Constables across the UK wrote an open letter calling for the Government to reconsider was unprecedented.

“The right and proper decision has been made.”

Aileen added: “There is wider good news here that – as a result of our campaigning work – a wider collection of criminals will not be eligible for early release so there is better news today for many more families.”

Aileen concluded: “We would like to offer huge thanks to everyone who backed our campaign.

“The one million people who signed our petition and all those who offered messages of support. You have made a difference.

“Police officers put themselves in harm's way every day.

“They head towards danger when everyone else is running away.

“They do so knowing that they may never come home to their families. We have only seen in recent days in Cleveland, the danger colleagues face.

“Our thoughts remain with the families of PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades.

“And – as always – our thoughts remain with Andrew’s wife Lissie, his family, friends and close colleagues in Thames Valley Police.”

28/08/2026

Lancashire Police Federation has been honoured to provide assistance to our colleagues in Cleveland at this most horrific time.

Our Secretary Stuart Parry is among those on the ground helping officers in the area and offering Federation support, including refreshments and advice.

Our thoughts remain with the families of PC Tom Clough and PC Matt Blades, and their friends and close colleagues

27/08/2026

The campaign to keep the killers of PC Andrew Harper behind bars took to the Ministry of Justice this week - with the Government left in no doubt they need to listen to public and policing anger about proposed early release plans.

Thames Valley Police Federation Chair Aileen O’Connor, Chief Constable Jason Hogg and Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber met with Alex Norris, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice on Wednesday.

The meeting in Westminster was described as “positive”, with a hope that legislation keeping PC Harper’s killers behind bars will be brought to Parliament early next week.

Reports emerged last night in the Telegraph that Chief Constables in England and Wales have been told Mr Norris plans to introduce secondary legislation – a mechanism to change existing laws quickly – to enact the required changes, which are likely to cover manslaughter, r**e and child grooming.

They are expected to exempt “unlawful act” manslaughter, where a person causes the death of another while committing an illegal act.

And that this could come early next week.

Aileen said: “The meeting was constructive, it was positive, the Lord Chancellor listened to what I had to say. I was quite forthright. I just need to see a plan come to fruition to keep Andrew’s killers where they belong – behind bars.

“I don’t think we’ll see that plan until next week when Parliament is back. So all in all I remain optimistic… As I’ve said before, there’s a glimmer of optimism for me.

“I go back to what the Prime Minister Andy Burnham said, he is optimistic that there will be a plan that will prevent the release of Andrew’s killers early… and we will be holding them to account on this.”

During the meeting, the Thames Valley trio highlighted to Mr Norris the more than 1 million signatures on the public petition to stop the early release from jail of PC Harper's killers.

And a letter from 50 Chief Constables across the UK calling for the Government to reconsider.

Thames Valley Police Federation’s campaign had paused for five days as a mark of respect following the death on duty of Cleveland Police colleagues PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades on Saturday.

Aileen said: “Out thoughts remain with Matt and Tom’s family, friends and colleagues following this unimaginable loss.

“Their tragic deaths puts more vigour around what we are trying to achieve here in terms of stopping the early release of Andrew’s killers. Tom and Matt died like Andrew in the line of duty, in horrendous circumstances.

“The Government must offer protection for our protectors.”

There was huge anger from PC Harper’s family and police officers across the UK earlier in August when it emerged that two of the men who the Thames Valley Police officer in 2019 were to be eligible to be released from jail early in a matter of months.

Having served less than half of their 13 year sentences for his manslaughter.

The public joined the police family in anger by getting behind the petition, which remains live https://www.change.org/p/petition-to-stop-the-early-release-from-jail-of-pc-andrew-harper-s-killers.

Aileen added: “I just want to reiterate a huge thank-you very much again to everybody who has signed and shared our petition.

“We’re up to over a million and sixty-five thousand people… that’s the Great British public up and down the country backing our police officers and I’m very grateful.

“But we keep going. We keep going until it’s signed, sealed and delivered… and we’re not there just yet.”

26/08/2026

A phenomenal £1million has been raised in memory of PC Tom Clough and PC Matt Blades in an official Federation Fundraiser for the officer's families.

The GoFundMe page - launched by Cleveland Police Federation after the tragic deaths of their colleagues in the early hours of Saturday morning – has reached the landmark figure in just three days.

Money raised from this official fundraiser - backed by the force and with the knowledge of the officer's families - will be split between Matt and Tom's loved ones in the coming weeks as they seek to navigate their devastating loss.

Lauren Somerville, Chair of Cleveland Police Federation, said she was “overwhelmed by the reaction from the public” to the Fundraiser and the “outpouring of support to the families of Matt and Tom means so much.”

She added: “I would like to say a massive thank you to all those who have very kindly donated to the memorial fund for our brave colleagues PC Tom Clough and PC Matt Blades.

“It is extraordinary how the public have shown their support in such numbers and it’s been so comforting to see the donations, to see the comments, to see the support that we’ve had.

“There are people reaching out messaging us in solidarity and with messages of condolence following this terrible, terrible tragedy. We have been inundated.

“And I would say, please, please, please keep that support going because the family need that support. My colleagues need that support and that support is so important to honour Matt and Tom’s memory.”

PC Clough, 38, and PC Blades, 37, died when a Volkswagen Passat collided with their marked armed response car on the A66 near Middlesbrough in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Matt was married with two sons. Tom leaves behind a partner.

Cleveland Police Federation launched the GoFundMe Page at 5pm on Sunday after receiving a number of requests over how to donate or support the officer’s families. The public have inundated the page with donations and messages of condolence.

Lauren added: “Matt and Tom were both dedicated and committed Cleveland Police Officers, who left their families and went to work to serve their community and protect the public.

“The fact they did not return home to their families is both unfathomable and unthinkable. We will do everything we can to honour them.

“Their families are at the core of all of this and we will do everything, anything, they need in these moments and anything they need in the days, weeks and years that follow.

“And to all of our members that are affected by this, I want them all to know that I’m here, I’m listening, I will get all of our members exactly what they are needing in this tragedy.

“This is going to affect generations of our officers, this is going to leave a scar on Cleveland Police and all of us need to work together to get through this.”

Lauren concluded: “Reaching £1million in donations is a phenomenal show of support from the public and police family towards our colleagues and hopefully their families’ future lives can be made just that little bit easier because of this incredible generosity.”

The page can be accessed here https://www.gofundme.com/f/pc-matthew-blades-and-pc-thomas-clough

24/08/2026

Memorial Fundraiser Launched for Families of PC Matt Blades and PC Tom Clough

Matt and Tom were both dedicated and committed Cleveland Police Officers who left their families and went to work to serve their community and protect the public.

The fact they did not return home to their families is unfathomable and unthinkable. Cleveland Police Federation are supporting and will continue to support the families of Matt and Tom.

Cleveland Police Federation would like to thank the public and the Police Family for countless messages of condolence and support since yesterday morning's tragic incident.

They have had a number of requests over how to donate to support their families - so to facilitate this they have launched a Go Fund Me Page.

Please note this is the official Cleveland Police Federation Go Fund Me Page for our fallen colleagues, launched by Secretary Carl Baker. No other similar pages have been started or are endorsed by the Federation.

Should you be willing to donate or share this on your Social Media pages then the link is here https://gofund.me/a8a470cb5

Any funds raised will be split equally between their two families to be used as they so wish.

Thanks again for all your support.

PC Matt Blades and PC Tom Clough were both dedicated and committed Police Officers… Carl Baker needs your support for PC Matthew Blades and PC Thomas Clough

23/08/2026

The families of Cleveland Police Officers PC Tom Clough and PC Matt Blades have paid emotional tributes to their loved ones following their deaths on duty in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Pictures of the brave officers have now been officially released by their families. Tom is pictured left. Matt on the right.

Matt’s wife has paid the following tribute to him: "No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt — my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys.

"He was an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle. He was loved beyond words by all his family and friends, and his loss has left a space that can never be filled.

"He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.

"The pain of losing him is beyond words, and our lives will never be the same. Neither will the love he gave us ever fade.

"Our children will grow up knowing what an incredible father he was and will always be, and I will carry his love, his memory and everything we shared with me always.

"He may have left this world committed to the duty he believed in, but his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave to his family.

"We would also like to express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all of the emergency services and to our police family who have stood beside us through the most difficult time of our lives.

"The kindness, compassion, love and unwavering support we have received as a family has meant more to us than words could ever express. Every message, visit, gesture of support and every person who has stood alongside us will never be forgotten.

“Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad."

The family of Tom said: "He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason. Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place. Always on public duty throughout his short life.

"We as a family and Tom's partner would like to express our sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences from friends, colleagues and the wider community.”

23/08/2026

Today marks 55 years since the 23rd August 1971 when Supt Gerry Richardson GC, of Lancashire Police, was shot at point black range, by armed robbers who had attacked a jeweller’s in Blackpool.

He died later that day.

Lancashire Police Federation Secretary Stuart Parry this afternoon laid a wreath in his memory on behalf of our members.

He said: "We should never forget the risks that come with Policing and that although thankfully rare, officers have made the ultimate sacrifice whilst serving and haven’t returned home to their loved ones.

Today Supt Gerry Richardsons bravery, courage and leadership on that tragic day was remembered and should never be forgotten.”

Stuart added: " This is especially poignant this weekend with the tragic events in Cleveland. The pain Cleveland are feeling is shared by the policing family nationally and beyond. The Lancashire membership send their sympathy and support.”

22/08/2026

Devastating News as Cleveland Police announce the on duty death of two colleagues in the early hours of this morning.

All of our thoughts are with their families, friends and close colleagues at this time.

Details of the incident on the A66 and the nature of it are still emerging. The officers have not been named at this time.

Lauren Somerville, Chair of Cleveland Police Federation, said: "Words cannot describe the pain the Cleveland Police Family are feeling today.

"Our colleagues who should have been going home to their loved ones at the end of their shifts are not. And that is just unfathomable.

"Cleveland Police Federation will be offering full support to our fallen colleagues families and they have all of our love and care at this time.

"When the time is right we will pay full tribute to our brave colleagues. But we can assure that their sacrifice will never be forgotten."

Lauren added: "Please also spare a thought today for all Cleveland Police colleagues having to go to work, keeping people safe whilst mourning the death of two colleagues.

"We are supporting all close colleagues involved and will continue to do so. If anyone needs support please contact the office or a Federation Rep."

20/08/2026

Thames Valley Police Federation is still working hard to try to stop the early release from jail of PC Andrew Harper's killers.

We have surpassed a million signatures on our public petition, which is a phenomenal achievement.

The incredible public support has led to the Government considering a law change to keep PC Harper's killers in prison, but nothing is guaranteed yet.

We are asking as many people as possible to write to their local MP so we can collectively put pressure on the Government to change the law to stop these individuals leaving prison early. It will only take a couple of minutes, but it can have a real impact.

You can find your MP here by inputting your postcode: members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP. You will then see a clickable link email your MP directly. There is a template letter below that you can copy and paste.

On behalf of Thames Valley Police Federation and Andrew’s friends and colleagues, thank you for your continued support.

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Dear [MP NAME],
I am writing as your constituent to ask you to support the campaign to prevent the early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers. I am deeply concerned that changes to early release under the Government’s new Sentencing Act could mean that two of the men responsible for PC Harper’s death are released from prison before they have served their full sentence.
Police officers put themselves in harm’s way every single day to keep the rest of us safe.
They run towards danger when others run away, knowing that there is always a possibility they may not make it home to their families.
Allowing those responsible for killing an officer in the line of duty to benefit from early release would send a terrible message to police officers across the country about how we value their service and sacrifice.
I believe that PC Harper’s family and colleagues deserve better. I am therefore asking you, as my MP, to urge the Prime Minister and the Justice Secretary to make urgent changes to the Early Release Scheme, so that PC Andrew Harper’s killers remain behind bars for the duration of their original sentence.
I look forward to hearing from you.
[NAME]
[POSTCODE]