Local MP Steve Brine has welcomed news that all police widows and widowers will now get their widowed pension provision for life, even if they remarry or live with a new partner.
The Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP has been leading the campaign from within Parliament, and worked closely with colleagues including Police Minister Mike Penning to put right what Mr Brine has called a 'very clear wrong'. The MP is Parliamentary Private Secretary to Mr Penning at the Home Office and picked up the issue after being contacted by a constituent who lost her husband on active service locally.
In his Budget speech, delivered in the House of Commons last week, the Chancellor, George Osborne, confirmed that the rules would change, to the delight of Steve Brine and his colleagues, as well as vast numbers of police widows and widowers from across the country who have been in touch. The change also applies to widows, widowers and civil partners of firefighters in England.
Steve Brine said; "I am thrilled at the news, and a big thank you to George Osborne for taking this step. When I raised it with him he really understood the cause and promised to put it right if he could. When we spoke immediately after the Budget last week I was able to thank him personally on behalf of so many who've campaigned for this change.
"It has been quite a journey and I know police widows and widowers across the country, including right here in my own constituency will be thrilled."