Clarke has "closed the curtains and turned the volume up" to shut out concerns - Mike German

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 12th Apr 2006

Mike German today criticised the Home Secretary for failing to listen to police chiefs, council leaders , the Assembly and the people of Wales on the police merger process and suggested a Judicial Review to force Charles Clarke into consulting.

Mr German, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats in the Assembly, said:

"Street referendums carried out by the Welsh Liberal Democrats show that 89% of people in Wales oppose the police merger.

"Thirty-five councillors in England and Wales have written to Charles Clarke, including Aled Roberts, the Welsh Liberal Democrat leader of Wrexham Council, to condemn the ill-thought out plans. Earlier this month, the chair of Gwent Police Authority wrote to Mr Clarke expressing 'frustration with the confusion' at the Home Office 's 'lack of grip at the process'.

"How many more people need to raise their voices before Charles Clarke starts listening?

"I have written to the chairs of the Welsh Police Authorities asking them to consider taking the first steps in a Judicial Review of Charles Clarke's rush to judgment.

"The Home Secretary has done his best to ignore the objections of people in Wales and the concerns of senior police officials. He has closed the curtains and turned the volume up to keep out the views he doesn't want to hear.

"Starting a Judicial Review process is a means of forcing the Home Office to review its decision within a proper and sensible timescale.

"I'm not encouraging the Police Authorities to become involved in a protracted legal action against the Home Office. Instead, the 'letter before claim' will formally express concerns, force the Home Secretary to address the issues, and establish whether litigation can be avoided.

"It is in the interest of the people of Wales - which the Authorities and Forces have a duty to serve - that their views and concerns are addressed fully and not brushed over."