Government should give police full pay rise

3.23.00pm GMT Wed 21st May 2008

Commenting on Police Federation chairman Jan Berry's attack on Jacqui Smith, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"Ministers have completely failed to understand the full consequences for police morale of their failure to respect the independent arbitration panel's pay award.

"It is understandable but regrettable that the police now want the right to strike, given the violation of the fair pay arrangements.

"Even at this late hour I hope that the Government can deal with police grievances by paying the settlement in full."