Government should honour promises to Weston police

4.00.43pm GMT Wed 23rd Jan 2008

Campaigner Mike Bell is backing claims for fair play on pay by Weston police

Local Liberal Democrat Prospective MP Mike Bell is backing calls by police in Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset for the government to honour promises over pay.

The Labour Home Secretary's decision to refuse an extra 0.6% pay rise for the police has come despite a ruling by the independent Police Arbitration Tribunal and will mean that police pay will actually fall in real terms.

Community campaigner Mike Bell said: "The Government's behaviour over this issue has been deceitful and underhand. Why go through the pretence of consulting the Police Arbitration Tribunal if the outcome has already been decided?

"The pay deal recommended is fair, and properly rewards the brave, hardworking people who face tremendous personal risks providing a public service. We should give our police the respect that they deserve."