THANKS have been expressed to a local MP who has fought to see change to rights for Special Constables in West Somerset and beyond.

Following lobbying by Bridgwater MP Sir Ashley Fox, whose constituency includes Nether Stowey and Cannington, the government has agreed to amend its Employment Rights Bill to commit to a statutory review of workplace rights for Special Constables.

The campaign began last year when local constituent Emma raised with Sir Ashley that Special Constables - volunteers with full police powers who give their time freely at no cost to the taxpayer - were not covered by Section 50 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.

That section allows those serving as magistrates, councillors, and school governors to request reasonable unpaid time off work, but Special Constables have no such right.

In March, the MP pressed the Home Secretary directly in the Commons to change the law, highlighting the fall in the number of Specials since the pandemic.

The House of Lords adopted the amendment. While the government has not accepted the Lords’ amendment in full, it has instead tabled its own amendment-in-lieu, which Sir Ashley has endorsed in the Commons.

Sir Ashley said: “I am pleased that following my lobbying and the strong support shown across Parliament, the Government has now put this review on a statutory footing.”

Emma added: “I want to thank Ashley Fox for taking this issue forward. Special Constables play a vital role in keeping our communities safe and by putting this issue on the national agenda, Ashley has helped ensure that the contribution of Specials is properly recognised. I know it’s unusual for a backbench MP to secure an amendment to Government legislation - Ashley has proved to be an effective campaigner on behalf of Special Constables, and I hope this review will lead to lasting change.”