Without knowing the total benefit level PC Rathband receives at the moment it is difficult to comment, but - in general - it does seem a bit on the miserly side.
Then, that's the lot of those of us who have worn, and still wear, the 'uniform'. (Rather than talk and bitch about things).
An occupational hazard.
Something to be expected when one signs on.
Having full understanding that things could go very wrong on each and every day of duty when one of very people one is charged to protect, suddenly tries to inflict great harm.
Over the UK thousands of front-line police officers have had the harsh face of bureaucracy turned towards them in such circumstances - but then it's all part of doing a job that many will not - it's simply a case of getting on with things and making the best of what's provided.
On the other hand they say that the pen is mightier than the sword so I fully understand the need for an enhanced budget for the EEAS.
Diplomacy, if nurtured through proper funding, could make the EU a bigger player on the world stage and, as a result of greater understanding through enlightenment, may well reduce the need for the legion of pesky peelers running around the streets supposedly protecting the public while, in reality, sitting on their arses consuming excess calories or beating up errant motorists.
Yes, I can see the sense of purpose in the latter of the two stories and I commend Baroness Ashton for having the guts to fight her corner in these financially straitened times.
The needs of the EU apparatus must take precedence over the needs of those individuals, so stricken, within any one sovereign nation of its make up.
I thought this truth to be self evident.
What's a dead, or maimed, peeler or two in the greater scheme of things?