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Peter Hain faces Police Authority dissent on merger

All four Welsh police authorities have announced that they will oppose the Home Secretary Charles Clarke's plans to create a single Welsh force.

With concerns about the pace of reform, the funding of the new force and community policing, the authorities have refused a voluntary merger.

The Government believes that Wales' forces - all with fewer than 4,000 officers - are too small to deal with major crimes such as international terrorism.

Now it will have to force through the scheme using legislative powers.

This procedure to force the merger through is due to start on St. David's Day, 1 March 2006 and that will trigger a four month consultation period.

On the Politics Show we question the Secretary of State for Wales, Peter Hain, about the Government's plans.

New Plaid logo

New image

As Plaid Cymru unveiled changes to its logo and name we report from the party's Spring Conference.

They will also embark on a campaign to consult the public on new policies.

We ask their leader in the Assembly, Ieuan Wyn Jones whether the exercise will lead to major changes in Plaid Cymru's next manifesto or whether it is just another part of the party's effort to change its image?

Also on the Politics Show ...

We unveil figures that show that the costs of Civil Servants wages in Wales have doubled since the Welsh Assembly Government was created.

The Politics Show

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Tune in to BBC One on Sunday 05 March 2006 at Noon.

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