Police pay

Last year I was strongly critical of the government when it broke its promise to the Police to implement their pay rise in full.

As I've said before, it's not mistakes that create problems in politics - it's the failure to recognise and rectify them that does the damage. That's why I'm pleased that this year the government has agreed a three year pay deal which the Police Federation - the body that represents grassroots police officers - called "the best multi-year settlement... in the public sector".

Under the agreement, police officers over the next three years, will receive pay rises worth 2.65% in 2008, 2.6% in 2009 and 2.55% in 2010. This means that by 2010 a police constable will be able to earn up to £36,500 ? 50% more than in 1997.

In 1997, under the Conservatives, a constable on completion of initial training was paid £17,274. Today their starting salary is £24,675 and from September 2010 it will be £25,962. The longest serving Constables now earn £33,800 and by 2010 will reach £36,519.

Our Police do a great job and I'm delighted that the government is properly honouring the work they do.