The Society of the Friends of the Police stood alongside police officers today as they protested against the Home Secretary's proposed police reforms. Police Federation Chairman Fred Broughton declared "We are organising the lobby to focus minds on bringing about change." The demonstration outside the QEII conference centre attracted a diverse range of supporters from all sections of the community including some unemployed people and two men who wore pink helmets that sort of resembled women's breasts.

Society of the Friends of the Police spokesperson Barry Freed said:

"The Society applauds the growing militancy of ordinary Police Officers. The concerted campaign of Society associates within the police force to take increasing numbers of days off sick appears to be bearing fruit. This protest is merely the next logical step.

He then read out the following communique:

"The Society of Friends of the Police is the man or woman next to you - with a custard pie behind their back and mischief on their mind. Already we are too many to know one another personally. All we say is: the Society is everywhere....

We demand a zero hour week for the police to give them spare time for reading, leisure activities with their friends or perhaps their partners, time for giving vent to their frustrations by making love, and to play football with the local kids and for chats with elderly passers by, with whom they could discuss the meaning of 'freedom'.

ends