Reduction in number of forces driven by desire to centralise control over policing

6.18.00pm GMT Thu 10th Nov 2005

Mark Oaten MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, responding to the announcement by the Government that the number of Police forces in England and Wales could fall from 43 to 12, said:

"Creating 12 regional forces would sever the links between the police and local communities up and down the country.

"We are not convinced that amalgamations are necessary. Efficiency savings could be made by sharing resources between the smaller forces and by setting up a national resource to help forces deal with particularly complex investigations.

"It seems that once again the Government is trying to gain impose more central control over policing, instead of giving greater power to local communities."