Police merger 'could be axed'

Ryedale Tory MP John Greenway said recently-appointed Home Secretary John Reid had shown little enthusiasm for the proposals, in the face of other headaches caused by issues such as immigration.

"There are rumours that Mr Reid is reconsidering his position on this and distancing himself from the proposal," Mr Greenway said.

"At the very least he should postpone doing anything about it. I don't think it's in the interests of North Yorkshire."

Mr Greenway's comments come after it emerged that Labour MPs opposed to the police force mergers say they have enough support to stage a successful Commons revolt to bury the plans, after discovering they can ambush them in Parliament.

Labour MPs including Selby MP John Grogan, one of the main rebellion organisers have discovered that Dr Reid only has the power to bypass Parliament in regions where all police forces have agreed to the Home Office's demands.

In regions where even one local police authority has expressed opposition, Dr Reid is required to put a merger "order" down in Parliament and MPs can then force a full vote.

In Yorkshire, only North Yorkshire Police Authority voted in favour of the plans.

With full Opposition backing, about 35 Labour rebels are needed to consign the Government to defeat.

Merger opponents hope that the prospect of such an embarrassment will force the Home Secretary to change his mind, and not attempt to introduce the orders to Parliament this autumn.

Mr Greenway said he would support any rebellion over the issue.

"So long as we the opportunity to vote on the issue in the House of Commons then it can be defeated," he told The Press.

"There is no doubt at all that there is cross-party consensus that this has been forced upon on us and rubberstamped.

"We now need a period of quiet reflection at the very least. It's just a ridiculous diversion from the major problems going on in the Home Office."