The Secretary of the Sussex Police Federation, Mark White, has written to all thirteen of the region's MPs - including Caroline Lucas - asking them to support calls for a Government rethink on proposals to cut the police budget.

It is estimated that Sussex Police will need to scrap around 500 officer posts and 250 staff posts in order to save £52m by 2015.

The Pavilion MP commented:

"I share the concerns of the Sussex Police Federation that proposed cuts to the police budget, together with efforts to dismantle the pay and conditions of Sussex officers, could cause significant damage to the vital public service they provide - and will badly affect morale within the force.

"It is my view that the Government should now take the time to rethink its plans to slash police budgets across the country - at least until more is known about the specific policing issues raised by the August riots.

"We must do all we can to ensure that Sussex Police is able to function effectively and protect our region."

ENDS