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Argus turns spotlight on Hain in police merger debate

The South Wales Argus campaign to stop Gwent Police Force from being merged with other forces in Wales, has turned the spotlight on Welsh secretary Peter Hain.

Argus readers have already heard the views of Home Secretary Charles Clarke thanks to its Hands off our police force! campaign, as well as those of local politicians who, the paper says, are virtually all against the move to create a single police force for Wales.

The Argus remains convinced that the single force option for Wales is not right for Gwent or for Wales, but gave over a double page spread to Peter Hain so that he could give his reasons why an all-Wales police force would be better for the country.

He had earlier come in for some stinging criticism from the paper when he spoke in favour of the single force option for Wales during a House of Commons debate before the consultation period was over.

In response he agreed to answer a series of questions from the Argus.

Editor Gerry Keighley said: “We remain to be convinced that one force for Wales is the right way forward.

“We believe we would not be able to hold the police accountable and that is what concerns our readers.”

The interview follows a full statement from Charles Clarke and a 500 word article penned by the Gwent chief constable Mike Tonge who promised he would listen to the views of Argus readers before making his recommendation to the Home Secretary.