Liberal Democrats criticises Home Secretary for refusing to backdate Police pay rise

10.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 15th Dec 2007

Police light

The largest police federation in the UK has declared that its officers are now "at war" with the Government over a pay dispute. The Metropolitan Police Federation today accused ministers of attempting to "trample on the well-being" of rank-and-file police officers, It follows an unprecedented call for Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, to resign over her refusal to fulfil a promise to backdate a pay rise.

Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson said "It is a kick in the teeth for the police that the Home Secretary is refusing to be bound by the decision of the police pay tribunal. There is no point having an arbitration process if the Government simply ignores it. Jacqui Smith should admit she is wrong and pay the police what they are owed."