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Police minister Nick Herbert has been accused of trying to silence police over public spending cuts. Mark Sweet, general secretary of the Lancashire Police Federation, described Mr Herbert's comment that "quieter" constables were make savings and ensuring frontline officers' jobs were safe, as "appalling". Mr Herbert said: "The thing that I am increasingly doing is noting the chief constables from forces who are delivering these savings, all requiring difficult decisions I accept, but delivering decisions in a way which actually is protecting the frontline service".
Labour have seized on Mr Herbert's comments, demanding their immediate withdrawal and an apology. Shadow Policing Minister Vernon Coaker said: "The arrogance of the Government's attacks on the police, coupled with their complacency over frontline losses, is a damning indictment of this Government and the Home Secretary.
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18/06/2013 on
18/06/2013 on Channel 4 News