Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Speech to Nottingham Police Academy

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Nottingham Police Academy, Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
Source: Thatcher Archive: speaking text
Editorial comments: Between 0945 and 1115.
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 587
Themes: Law & order, Religion & morality

I have been immensely impressed by your high standard of turnout and bearing this morning.

I want to congratulate the five (?) prize-winning Cadets. When there is no competition, prize-winning is relatively easy.

But I have seen, even during my short visit here, that to win a prize among these Cadets is a very special achievement indeed.

Although most of you have parents and friends here this morning, and although we meet in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant, the Chairman of the Police Authority and the Chief Constable, this is YOUR day— [end p1] a proud day—I hope, and one which you will always remember; and it is to you, the Cadets, that I want to speak primarily this morning.

You are members of the finest Police Force in the world. Our long and proud tradition of freedom under the law, which has been the envy of other countries, has always depended, and depends still, on a wholly impartial and professional Police Force.

All over the world, the rule of law is under attack. It is under attack in our own country as never before. It is not just that recorded crime has reached unprecedented levels, although that is true. It is [end p2] not just that respect for the person and property of others is less than ever before, although that is true as well. We have become an increasingly violent and intolerant society. We have lost our traditional values. We need to return to the old truths, which some had thought that we could live without.

If we are to do that, we need a Police Force strong in number, stronger still in its professional standard, and strongest of all in its pride and esprit de corps.

In our country, the Police have never been an instrument of Government policy. Our law confines the role of the Police to the maintenance of public order and to the protection of the citizen and his property. [end p3]

A Policeman's duty is to uphold the law, impartially, without fear or favour. He must be as careful of the rights of minorities and of unpopular people, as he is of majorities and of pop stars.

In a civil disturbance, a policeman is the servant of both sides.

His only duty is to see that the law is observed and that the public are protected.

Because the threat to the rule of law is more real in Britain than ever before, there is never a time when we have been in greater need of policemen of the highest quality. [end p4]

I often think that we take too much for granted the service which the Police render to the British people. The Plaque which I have just unveiled in memory of Police Constable McDonald, who was murdered on duty at the age of 19, is a reminder not only of the courage and devotion of the Police, but also of the danger which they face, each day, so that we may live more safely.

Government, Parliament and people have a duty, at all times, and in all circumstances, to give to the Police both moral and material support. [end p5]

My presence here today is not just a symbol of the importance which the Government attaches to the Police and its Cadet Force.

It underlines the plain truth that the thin blue line of an efficient and impartial Police Force is the indispensible guarantor of freedom under the law.

That is why the profession which you have chosen is of such crucial importance.

I know of no other career which offers the same opportunity to render deeper or more lasting service to your fellow citizens. [end p6]

Everything that I have seen and heard this morning has renewed my confidence that the highest traditions of the Police are being preserved.

As you embark on your careers of public service, all who have been present at this ceremony today join in giving you our thanks, our congratulations, and our warmest good wishes.