Strengthening the Role of Civil Nuclear Police: A Dialogue with MPs

23 June 2023

The Civil Nuclear Police Federation organized a productive drop-in session in Parliament this week, aimed at enlightening Members of Parliament about the invaluable work undertaken by the CNC and the multifaceted challenges faced by our force.

The session provided an opportunity to shed light on the CNC's broad policing responsibilities, including the protection of nuclear material and our strategic armed reserve capability, which supplements UK policing when required.

The event, sponsored by Mark Jenkinson, MP for Workington, witnessed the participation of several esteemed MPs, including Patricia Gibson, MP for North Ayrshire and Arran, the constituency where the Hunterston power station is situated, as well as Halifax MP Holly Lynch, Shadow Minister for the Home Office.

Notably, the session also welcomed the newly appointed Government minister for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Andrew Bowie, showcasing the minister's keen interest in nuclear matters and commitment to supporting policing efforts in this domain.

During the session, we provided a comprehensive overview of policing operations, emphasizing the CNC's vital remit and role. The attending MPs, having participated in the Energy Bill discussions earlier that day, displayed genuine curiosity about the challenges encountered by the CNC.

Topics such as police pay and conditions, recruitment obstacles posed by low pay, the evolving culture within policing, and ongoing pension issues were all addressed.

Highlighting the issue of police pay stagnation, Our Chief Executive Gary Thwaite stressed the detrimental impact it has had on recruitment efforts and the overall well-being of police officers. By conveying the pressures faced by officers, we aim to foster understanding among MPs.

The force's unique challenge in recruitment was also underscored, as the sites they police often compete with the CNC for talented individuals, given their own status as highly attractive employers.

An essential aspect of the session involved discussing the transformative changes within policing, particularly in response to the challenges faced by the force in recent years. Openness within the CNC's ranks and the organization's commitment to adapt and improve were showcased, leaving a positive impression on the attending MPs.

The drop-in session organized in Parliament proved to be a fruitful exchange of ideas and insights where we also addressed the ongoing challenges related to our pensions. By fostering open dialogue with MPs, the CNC successfully conveyed the intricacies of their responsibilities and the challenges they confront daily.

Additionally, some MPs even had the chance to experience the physical demands of our role by trying on Vice Chair Darren Adams's AFO kit. This engagement with decision-makers plays a vital role in raising awareness about the crucial work undertaken by the CNC and building support for the force's continued efforts to protect nuclear material and ensure public safety.

Gary acknowledged that some members might question the need for these discussions with MPs, but emphasized that it is an integral part of our responsibilities since these individuals hold decision-making power.