I HAVE always had the highest regard for the public services provided by our police.

This respect was enhanced in 1997 when I was appointed to the North Yorkshire Police Authority. I was soon appointed as the lead member on human rights issues. I was amazed to find out just how dated the force’s conditions of service were. Many went back to the mid-19th century.

Having negotiated identical issues in the Ministry of Defence, the prison service and the House of Commons, I knew success was possible, provided there was goodwill. Unfortunately, at that time, the then Home Secretary did not pursue the results of our negotiations.

Sadly, we now have a Government in power which has absolutely no idea of how to negotiate on controversial issues (or anything else) and so is trying to impose the results of its latest review on one of our most essential areas of public services.

All this while they give additional tax relief to their supporters, allow chief executives and their ilk to receive nine per cent pay increases, plus monumental lump sums to the bankers, etc. Anyone else reminded of Nero fiddling while Rome burns?

Liz Edge, Parkside Close, York.