KEETCH JOINS FORCES WITH WEST MERCIA POLICE ON PAY DEAL

9.28.00pm GMT Thu 13th Dec 2007

Hereford's Lib Dem MP, Paul Keetch, has spoken out in support of local police officers and the row over police pay which has left some officers so angry they are demanding the right to strike.

Commenting on the situation, Mr Keetch said, "My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I are disappointed that the Home Secretary has decided not to honour the independent decision of the Police Arbitration Tribunal, and finding this out through a leaked document is an insult to a profession that provides a very valuable and difficult service to the country. We believe the pay award should be backdated so that it represents the 2.5% agreed, not the 1.9% the government intends to make it."

The MP has also revealed that the Police Federation is considering balloting its members on the right to strike, a move which demonstrates just how inadequate the Home Secretary's handling of the situation has been.

Paul continued, "The Home Secretary should honour the panel's decision, and owes the police an apology for the manner in which her department has dealt with the issue. The Liberal Democrats want the arbitration system to be binding on the Home Secretary as well as the police, and for the UK's police officers to be recognised for the work they do.

"I will be meeting with local police officers in the coming weeks in order that we might have the opportunity to discuss this issue further.

"I have already met with Divisional Commander Mark Turner and congratulated him on West Mercia's recent high rating reported by the Home Office Standards Unit. This is borne out by the low crime figures for our county and the crackdown on drug related activities. The morale of his officers would have been boosted by this - only to be deflated by the Home Secretary's latest stance on the pay settlement. This is particularly disappointing as the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, is the MP for Redditch, which falls within West Mercia's area.

"We are fortunate to have such dedicated police officers in our area. They are part of a high performing force and we need to value them. They certainly have my support."