Metropolitan Police Federation

Public and police will applaud Commissioner's ruling on badges

The Met Police Federation's thanks Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson for the leadership and understanding he has shown in personally intervening to permit officers to wear union flag badges on their uniforms to show support for armed services personnel who are fighting in Afghanistan.

Officers at Heathrow Airport had been instructed to remove the badges when they first wore them.

Sir Paul has now over-ruled those orders.

A statement from Scotland Yard says: "The Met has a dress code which states that only approved corporate badging may be used.

"However, on this occasion the Commissioner has decided to intervene in terms of officers wearing union flag badges.

"He feels strongly that these are exceptional circumstances and the MPS should be openly showing their support for the British troops currently serving abroad.

"On this occasion, it seems entirely appropriate that officers are able to show their support for these brave men and women."

At a time when the country is mourning the deaths of young soldiers and saluting the heroism of the armed forces personnel in action abroad, we know that Sir Paul's action will be as warmly appreciated by the public as it is by police officers.