Met Police civil war erupts: Rank-and-file union threatens to sue Sir Mark Rowley over voluntary pay-offs move

"If such powers were misused in the manner implied, they would represent a fundamental breach of natural justice and a betrayal of the trust that officers place in the organisation they serve. Morale within the Metropolitan Police Service is already fragile if not non-existent. Officers at all levels have endured sustained external criticism, internal upheaval, and immense operational pressure. Your letter risks destroying what remains of confidence and goodwill among those you rely upon to deliver your vision."

"We recognise the need for strong leadership, but this cannot and will not be achieved through fear, coercion, or arbitrary judgment. This letter should serve as formal notice that the Federation will challenge any implementation of the measures outlined that contravene Police Regulations or the Equality Act. Should it become necessary, we will take all appropriate legal steps to protect our members' interests."

"We are working tirelessly to raise standards and improve the culture across our organisation. This includes holding our leaders to the highest standards and the Commissioner has been clear the minority who resist change have no place in the Met. This is part of our wider work to help rebuild the trust Londoners have in us. We have received the letter and will respond in due course."

Such powers, if misused, would represent a fundamental breach of natural justice and a betrayal of officers' trust. Morale within the Metropolitan Police Service is fragile or non-existent after sustained external criticism, internal upheaval, and immense operational pressure. The proposed measures risk destroying remaining confidence and goodwill, dividing the organisation, and replacing leadership with coercion. The Federation intends to challenge any implementation that contravenes Police Regulations or the Equality Act and will pursue legal steps if necessary. The force states it is working to raise standards, improve culture, hold leaders to account, and that a voluntary exit scheme is part of broader senior reform.

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