Why Shouldn't Police Widows Be Granted Similar Pension Rights?

[sandyRoe]

From Those Who Went Before

Cathryn Louise Hall
Walsall, United Kingdom
8 Nov 2014 — During this week of remembrance there is also cause to celebrate - war widows who have been campaigning for lifelong pensions for many years have at long last seen justice done. Congratulations ladies! I am truly delighted for you.

Sadly that justice has not been extended to include police widows who continue to live under the shadow of the 1987 Police Pension Rules. I was thinking about what our lost loved ones would say if they had an opportunity to speak to Mr Cameron - this is I think what they might have to say about recent developments.

From those who went before:

Dear Mr Cameron,

Do you even know our names? When you are asked to think about us – do you hang your head in shame?

We left behind our widows when we died as we had served, we did it all with fortitude - was it more than you deserved?

We walked the streets in solitude unprotected and unarmed, we did this for our communities - so they would sleep unharmed.

We were part of the police family – we walk beside them still, I ask you Mr Cameron a promise to fulfil.

We paid into a pension - our loved ones to protect; this was our last and final wish we ask you to respect.

Our widows may find love again we rejoice for them indeed, they remain always our widows with our children’s mouths to feed.

We salute our fellow officers - for shielding you from terror and from threat, when they greet you in the morning our widows don’t forget.

They loved us and they cared for us as your wife cares for you, if you ask her what she wants from life she probably says ‘just you’.

Our darling wives can’t have us and old age can be so cold, we ask you to look after them - if we may be so bold.

They’ve asked for lifelong pensions – you say it cannot be afforded, yet you’ve given it to others and wait to be applauded.

We are unable to speak with you in person - so whisper in your ear, be not scared of death my friend there is really nought to fear.

The thing that hurts the most you see, as you pass on through the door – is leaving behind your widow there - the one that you adore.

We watch our precious children, we love them from afar – they have loved and lost us and bear the mental scars.

Individually we would say to you if you really wouldn’t mind – let them keep my pension, the money that was mine.

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Discussion

[mikey4444]

I think we should Sandy ! If there is a petition that needs signing, let me know.

[Psybbo]

Yes, Sandy

[furrypusscat]

Me also.

[retrocop]

Thanks Sandy. I really appreciate that post. A copper signs up pretty much knowing what he may have to face each shift and accepts his pay/pension without complaint. Nobody realises, unless they are serving or retired police officers, what anguish the wives suffer on many occasions. They are the support, backbone and rock of a serving copper. The dinner on the table but worrying why the husband has not returned to eat it at the end of his shift etc etc. I could go on all evening with other examples. I'm lucky. I still have a pulse and a wonderful supportive wife.

[furrypusscat]

Let's not also forget women police officers who have left loved ones behind.

[factor-fiction]

The problem is, I think, that this should apply to all pension schemes, not just Armed Forces and Police. Having said that, the schemes set contribution rates based on the expected payouts so it will affect their funding and lead to increased contributions for current and future members

[sandyRoe]

Here's a link to the petition. Some think petitions don't achieve much, but you never know. And it's better to light a candle than curse the dark.

https://www.change.org/p/theresa-may-mp-grant-police-widows-pensions-for-life-don-t-make-them-choose-between-future-happiness-and-pensions

[Psybbo]

Sandy, I've just contributed, but why is it coming as dollars?

[sandyRoe]

I don't know, Psybbo. Maybe Change.org is based in the USA.

[DaisyNonna]

Why? Because women are still seen as reliant upon men.
Widowed? Divorced? Abandoned? Find another man to take care of you dear.

[furrypusscat]

I already have a man 'dear' if your post refers to my input.

[furrypusscat]

They still do the same job and pay into the same pension scheme. I was referring to the loss of lives of police women and there have been a number in recent years or do you not read the news. I meant that survivors of policewomen should also receive the pensions for life. Sorry if I have misinterpreted your meaning!!