The Northern and Grampian Branches of the Scottish Police Federation have today (Friday) announced the results of their votes on proposals to alter their pay and conditions. Commenting on their overwhelming rejection of the package, Ms Roseanna Cunningham MSP, the Scottish National Party's Shadow Justice Minister said:

"So far we only have official results in from two of Scotland's police forces, I have no doubt that the massive votes against which have been recorded in both Grampian and Northern Constabulary areas will be replicated across the country.

"Scotland's police officers have delivered a resounding rebuff to David Blunkett's proposals and he would be foolish in the extreme to ignore the message that is coming through loud and clear.

"Bizarrely, although almost all other aspects of policing in Scotland are the responsibility of the Scottish Parliament, police pay and conditions appear to be the province of the Home Secretary.

"But it will be the Scottish Parliament who will have to pick up the pieces if imposing this package results in retention and recruitment problems for Scotland's police. Scotland's Parliament should assert its authority to negotiate with Scotland's Police over their pay and conditions and tell David Blunkett to leave well alone."

Ms Annabelle Ewing MP the Scottish National Party's Spokesperson for Home Affairs in Westminster added:

"David Blunkett really must get back to the negotiating table instead of coming out with more macho posturing about imposing legislation on the police. They do an important and difficult job and they should not be taken for granted.

"Westminster should keep its nose out of Scotland's affairs but as long as they insist on doing so, Scotland's police officers can be sure that I will fight their corner."