NEW YEAR'S HONOURS 2026

 

I am sure that we all would wish to congratulate the officers and staff of various police forces who received recognition in HM The King’s New Year’s Honours list.  Behind the titles and names are many individuals who have worked, often for decades, to protect the public and to serve the interests of their communities.

I know a couple of those honoured and in each case I can say that I have no doubt that an honour or the award of a medal is an appropriate way of acknowledging the efforts of the individuals concerned.  The Honours system comes in for a lot of criticism, and I can understand why in the case of some political honours – the ghost of Lloyd George still seems to haunt parts of Whitehall.  But in my experience the vast majority of people on the list are ordinary men and women who serve their communities or profession.

There are various versions of the lists published.  I have just noticed the press release from the Police Federation of England and Wales (see below).  I was surprised that this version of the list does not include staff from Non Home Department Forces (NHDPFs) – or at least not the ones I know who were honoured.  I can’t think why.  the PFEW does not represent officers in NHDPFs (although the Superintendents’ Association does, for the most part) but this can’t be the explanation as their press release includes officers of senior ranks/grades who are also not represented by the Federation.

I expect that this is a simple oversight (possibly on my part) and not some residual prejudice based on which government department has distant oversight of the new holders of medals and honours.  I really hope that this is the case.

Congratulations to everyone on the list.  As a member of the public I am grateful that there are so many people in the police forces of the UK who serve with such distinction.

 https://polfed.org/news/latest-news/2025/police-officers-and-civilian-volunteers-honoured-in-2026-king-s-new-year-honours-list/

Philip Trendall

Jan 2026

Note:  In praising recipitants of awards I should declare an interest in that many years ago I was awarded a QPM (as it then was).  At the time my force employed the 'bran tub' system of recommendation I think - things have improved.

@polfed

#police federation of england and wales