The Home Secretary has thanked Northumbria Police Federation officers for their handling of last summer’s public disorder.
Yvette Cooper used her speech at the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) annual Bravery Awards to pay tribute to officers up and down the country.
And she made particular reference to the work of Northumbria Police officers during the disorder they faced on the streets.
She said: “If the stories [of bravery] tell us anything, it’s the way in which all of you need to respond and be ready to respond to anything that you face.
“[Whether it’s] in Northumbria, responding to the disgraceful disorder that broke out on the streets last summer.
“I am so sorry that so many of you had to deal with, frankly, that disgraceful way you were attacked.
Missiles
“You should never have had to face the attacks on police officers, by mobs, by missiles, and I will always back you in the job that you do to keep people safe.”
Sergeant Stu Coates represented Northumbria Police Federation following his key role responding to riots in Sunderland on the evening of Friday 2 August 2024,
An unplanned and leaderless protest escalated into widespread violence, and as the officer in charge of the Force’s mounted section, Stu led a unit of six colleagues in containing the disorder.
This included confronting an unpredictable crowd of several hundred on their own, as well as standing firm during a number of other flashpoints.
Stu, riding on police horse Petronus, was an ever-present leader throughout – even after being struck in the head with a concrete block, where he said his helmet ‘saved my life’.
He dedicated his nomination to the Force’s mounted section.
Branch chair Nick Munnelly with nominee Stu Coates, his son Dom and Northumbria Police Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine and Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Susan Dungworth.
“I’m representing the whole team,” he said. “That includes all the officers, all the grooms. It takes a lot of work to get the horses ready.
“The horses were outstanding as well. It takes a lot of training and those horses are extremely brave as well. It’s a massive team effort.”
Branch chair Nick Munnelly said: “Every single day our members face potentially dangerous and even life-threatening situations, so it’s pleasing to hear the Home Secretary supporting our brave officers.
“What Stu and his colleagues faced that night illustrates the dangers faced by our members.
“Stu showed an incredible amount of courage and calmness to keep people safe.
“He can be very proud of his actions that night and of his nomination for a Bravery Award.”
Bravery Awards
Stu attended the awards with his son Dom. Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine and Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Susan Dungworth also attended the event.
This year’s overall winners of the Bravery Awards were Sergeant Gregory Gillespie, PC Luke Holden and PCSO Timothy Parry, from Merseyside Police.
The trio confronted and detained Axel Rudakubana after he killed three children at a dance class in Southport on Monday 29 July 2024.
The regional award went to Sergeant Steven Bolsover and PC Joe Shuttleworth of Cleveland Police, who faced a brutal mob attack while attending a fire during public unrest in November 2023.
Ms Cooper thanked all police officers for ‘keeping us safe’.
She said: “I’m hugely grateful, but I say this on behalf of people right across the country, we are hugely grateful for the bravery you show.
Nominee Stu Coates.
“Not just to face the really difficult things but then also to get back up the following morning and to face it all again.
“Thank you for doing that. Thank you for caring so much for the job that you do.
“And thank you so much for being part of the amazing thing that is British policing.
“Thank you for keeping us safe.”
A video from Prime Minister, Sir Kier Starmer, was also shown.
He said: “When faced with life-threatening risks, or an acutely distressing situation, most people would run or back away.
“But not you. You step up. You go towards the danger. You put the needs of others before your own. That’s why policing truly is a job like no other.
“It’s why my Government will always do everything in our power to support you in your vital mission.
“On behalf of our whole country, I want you to know we appreciate your skill, your service, and your sacrifice. Not just today, but always.”
Policing minister
The Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson, added: “Congratulations to every single nominee. You deserve all the plaudits and praise you receive.
“Regardless of whether you won or not, I hope you are all feeling incredibly proud of yourself. Your family, friends, and colleagues are also incredibly proud of you.
“For all that you have done and continue to do, thank you.”
PFEW national chair, Tiff Lynch, also thanked and praised officers for their ‘unwavering dedication, never knowing what challenges they may face’.
Tiff said: “In the face of uncertainty, danger and adversity they act with courage and professionalism – not for accolades or applause, but because they truly believe in their duty to protect others.
“Tonight, as we celebrate the 30th Police Bravery Awards, we come together to recognise those whose actions have gone far beyond what is expected. The stories we share are not just examples of bravery – they are powerful reminders of the extraordinary risks officers take to keep our communities safe.
“Whether confronting violent attackers, rescuing individuals from life-threatening situations, or making split-second decisions under immense pressure, these officers have shown exceptional courage and selflessness.”