Conservative MPs have criticised plans for one police force to look after the whole of the West Midlands region. Shropshire North MP Owen Paterson told the House of Commons that nobody wanted the enlarged force and it would be run by "government toadies"
Meanwhile Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant said it would mean people paying more for a poorer service.
Warwickshire, West Midlands and Staffordshire want to merge. But West Mercia wants to be left alone.
Home Secretary Charles Clarke announced a series of mergers on Tuesday, including combining four forces in the West Midlands.
The police authorities will discuss the proposed link-ups before reporting back, although Mr Clarke has the final say.
Andy White, chair of the West Mercia Police Federation, said Tuesday's announcement made a mockery of "a lot of hard work" that had gone into preparing West Mercia's case to stay separate.
He said a merged force could cost �28m to set up.
The forces are not commenting at this stage. They have all issued the same statement saying police authorities are to determine "their respective politicians".
It adds: "Authorities will also want to take account of the additional assessments being provided to the home secretary, which it is hoped will address the ongoing and outstanding concerns of all police authorities in relation to funding, governance and human resources issues."
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 