Press Release – McLeod challenges local Lib-dems over police pay cut south of the Border

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McLeod challenges local Lib-Dems over police pay cut south of the Border SNP MSP for the South of Scotland Dr Aileen McLeod today (Tuesday) challenged local Lib-Dems who recently criticised the Scottish Government’s appointments of Assistant Chief Constables to the new Scottish Police Force to say whether they agree with the decision announced today to cut the starting salary for a police officer in England & Wales by £4,000 to £19,000 a year. Dr McLeod commented: “A couple of weeks ago the Lib-Dems were criticising the Scottish Government’s progress towards a single Scottish police force. This week we see their alternative: cutting a Police Constable’s starting salary by 17%. “That is hardly likely to do anything for police morale in England & Wales and it is in stark contrast to the position in Scotland, where the Scottish Government has taken the sensible decision to protect police numbers and also pay & conditions within the powers available. “From the outset the Lib Dems and the Tories have both criticised the Scottish Government’s plans for police reform in Scotland, even when they were busy drawing up the budget cuts that make it inevitable. “It is clear now that both parties are content to see a concerted attack on police officer numbers, pay, terms and conditions in England and Wales. “My challenge to both parties is twofold: first do they support these measures, and second would they rather be cutting PC’s starting salaries in Scotland and keeping eight police forces rather than protecting the front line through police reform?” Notes to editors: A report of the Home Secretary’s decision can be found here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21027176