A POLICE officer has launched a legal challenge to overturn a century-old ban on union membership because the “historical restriction is no longer justifiable in a modern democratic society.”

Greater Manchester Police officer Lea Broadbent wants the government to repeal laws that prevent officers from belonging to any trade union apart from the Police Federation of England & Wales.

In a pre-action protocol letter sent to government, he signalled his intent to apply for a judicial review if ministers do not repeal Section 64 of the Police Act 1996, which prevents police officers from belonging to any trade union aside from the statutory federation.

Mr Broadbent, who in 2023 resigned as chairman of the federation’s Greater Manchester branch in a pensions row, claims that the organisation is not fit for purpose and fails to provide adequate representation for officers. 

He said: “Police officers are the only group of public servants who are legally barred from joining a trade union. 

“I feel betrayed by an organisation that is supposed to act in my best interest, yet I am legally compelled to remain a member or face navigating a complex and challenging policing environment with no support at all. That is simply unacceptable.”

Mr Broadbent, who is being represented by Leigh Day, is seeking a declaration from the High Court that the current law is incompatible with Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to freedom of association, including the right to form and join trade unions. 

The restriction on police union membership dates back to the Police Act 1919.

The federation was contacted for comment.