Liberal Democrat Community Safety spokesperson Mike Pringle MSP has urged the Justice Secretary to listen carefully to the concerns of police officers, as delegates at the Scottish Police Federation were considering calling for the right to strike at their annual conference in Peebles.

Commenting from the conference, Mr Pringle said:

“It is extremely worrying that police forces in Scotland feel that they need the right to strike. The Government must take action to reassure police officers that their grievances will be heard and acted upon.

“The Justice Secretary must listen very carefully to the concerns that officers will put to him today and ensure that he takes action to reassure police forces that strike action is unnecessary. The Government must not dismiss this potential threat to public safety.”