John Hemming MP has written to the Home Secretary expressing "great concern" about "the gradual nationalisation of the police forces".

1.08.00pm GMT Fri 11th Nov 2005

A Lib Dem MP has written to the Home Secretary expressing "great concern" about "the gradual nationalisation of the police forces". John Hemming MP said, "There is a gradual movement towards establishing probably three national police forces, one covering Wales, one covering Scotland and one covering England. When this is combined with the movement away from local control and the fact that certain officers were instructed to lobby MPs recently things look quite worrying. "

"I have written to Charles Clarke MP, the Home Secretary, about this because it is another worrying development. His ability to listen to people's concerns does not, however, seem to be that great."

ENDS

Letter to Charles Clarke MP:

"Can I please express my great concern about the gradual nationalisation of the police forces across the country as currently proposed. There has been a gradual movement away from local control towards central control. With the politicisation of the police recently where police officers have actually been instructed to lobby MPs there is a worrying development whereby the police are becoming involved in the political process against their will."

"I see the proposed mergers as part of that process and wonder what response you may have to this concern."

John Hemming MP said, "There is a gradual movement towards establishing probably three national police forces, one covering Wales, one covering Scotland and one covering England. When this is combined with the movement away from local control and the fact that certain officers were instructed to lobby MPs recently things look quite worrying. "

"I have written to Charles Clarke MP, the Home Secretary, about this because it is another worrying development. His ability to listen to people's concerns does not, however, seem to be that great."

ENDS

Letter to Charles Clarke MP:

"Can I please express my great concern about the gradual nationalisation of the police forces across the country as currently proposed. There has been a gradual movement away from local control towards central control. With the politicisation of the police recently where police officers have actually been instructed to lobby MPs there is a worrying development whereby the police are becoming involved in the political process against their will."

"I see the proposed mergers as part of that process and wonder what response you may have to this concern."