Bates backs cops’ threat to arrest merger process

Release/Rhyddhau: 17/05/06

Contact/Cyswllt: Ceirion Rees:
029 2089 8342/ 07733280105/ ceirion.rees@wales.gov.uk 

Following the news that the four chief constables are threatening to withdraw support for the police merger process, Montgomeryshire AM and Welsh Liberal Democrat Social Justice Spokesperson Mick Bates AM said:

“I congratulate the four chief constables for standing up to the Government’s diktats. They are deeply concerned about how the merger will be funded - and so am I.

‘I’ve heard a lot of common sense from the chief constables today.  Financial stability must be a key part of any reform.

“Not even the police chiefs, who are in favour of merging in principle, have confidence in Labour’s half-baked plans. How can anyone else in Wales have confidence that the quality of policing won’t be affected?

“Labour has rushed through these plans without consultation, with no clear funding plans, and no support from the people in Wales.

“Imposing ill-though out plans without any clear idea of how they will be funded demonstrates how Labour has become deaf to the concerns of Wales.”

Notes/Nodiadau:

At today’s meeting of the Assembly’s Social Justice Committee, Wales’ four chief police constables announced that they would be withdrawing operational support if they did not receive assurances from the Home Office about the cost and timescale of the police merger.