Fresh questions have emerged over whether the controversial letter signed off and sent by the Cheshire Constabulary chief constable, Mark Roberts, to David Davis MP on 8th April 2026 may have involved input beyond the force itself.
Neil Wilby Media holds information that suggests the police missive may have been drafted, or contributed to, with involvement from the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the College of Policing and the Crown Prosecution Service.
The suggestion, if borne out, would be of particular significance in the light of documentary evidence publicly disclosed previously by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, in response to a Freedom of Information request, showing that all three bodies were closely involved in drafting the public-facing NPCC article, Six myths about police media briefings busted, published in December 2024.
This evidence, which included indications of comment, revision and cross-institutional input, established that coordinated authorship or editorial involvement across those organisations was not without precedent.
Against that background, if similar cross-institutional input occurred in relation to the recent Cheshire Constabulary letter, questions may arise not only about authorship, but whether a broader pattern exists of coordinated official communications responding to concerns advanced by a Member of Parliament.
The issue has acquired added prominence amid intensifying public criticism of the police letter, including fresh national newspaper scrutiny over the weekend.
At present, no independent verification has been obtained in relation to the involvement of the three national bodies in the Cheshire police correspondence with Sir David, and their precise position remains unknown, for the moment at least.
Early clarification from the press offices of the NPCC, the College and the CPS is to be sought, including whether any of those organisations reviewed, advised upon, or contributed to the drafting of the subject letter, or whether any comments, suggested amendments, clearance or sign-off were sought from or provided by those bodies before the letter was sent.
Any responses to those press enquiries will be duly reported.
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Neil Wilby is a journalist, court reporter and transparency campaigner who has reported on police misconduct, regulatory failures, and criminal and civil justice since 2009. He is the founder and editor of Neil Wilby Media, launched in 2015.
Page last updated: Sunday 19th April 2026 at 08h55
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