I've lived in some 'lively parts' of the UK and I've seen all types of policing, from the very good to the downright appalling, but in general I think we are very blessed with the force that we have. We take for granted that there will be a level of law and order which is remarkable, and I think we should be more supportive of our police than we are.

However, I am disturbed by this proposed vote that they should go on strike. I don't have a problem with them asking for a proper pay rise, in fact I think I agree with them, but policing is supposed to be a vocation. Being a police officer is not something you stop when you sign off and go home. I guess there are some jobs which are simply jobs, but there are others which are vocations to service; careers you follow because you choose to serve not because you want to make money. How can you hold back such service to improve your own lot?

It made me sick when teachers striked, it didn't seem right. I was even more angry when firemen striked. How would we feel if doctors walked out? Even Clergy now have a trade union. Are we going to see pickets outside the parish church? The with-holding of work for more pay flies in the face of the very essence of these what it is that makes these professions what they are.

I'm not anti-workers' rights - far from it, in fact - but strike action needs to be approached with great caution. We in these vocations are here to serve and that means putting others first...

... and actually that's true for all of us.