Reaction on single police force plan

Commenting on the First Minister’s confirmation that the Scottish Government is to proceed in creating a single police force for Scotland, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur said: “The news is disappointing but no real surprise. Ministers made little secret of their desire to go down the route of a single national police force, despite the overwhelming opposition of those who responded to the government’s consultation.

“Yet serious questions remain about the impact this move will have on local accountability, responsiveness and even numbers of police officers, particularly in rural areas, such as Orkney. To date, vague assurances and slogans have been offered by the Justice Secretary, but no detail on how he expects this new centralised structure to work practice.

“Now that the decision has been made to proceed with a single police force, detailed answers to these questions and concerns must be provided.”