Police chiefs snub Smith's letter

The chief constables felt the minister's message was insensitive

Two police chiefs have refused to publish the home secretary's Christmas message because of the dispute over officers' pay.

Chief constables in Cambridgeshire and Essex said passing on Jacqui Smith's best wishes was inappropriate after she refused to back date a pay rise.

Essex Police chief Roger Baker said he thought to publish the greeting would be insensitive to officers.

Julie Spence, Cambridgeshire's Chief Constable, has taken a similar stance.

A Cambridgeshire Police spokesman said: "We received an eight-paragraph letter sent to all forces thanking them for their work in 2007, praising them for their bravery and dedication, and wishing them a Happy Christmas.

"The letter arrived two days after the news of a pay dispute emerged.

"Normally, the letter would be published on our force website, but the chief constable felt it would be inappropriate to do that this year."

Mr Baker said: "I will be writing to the Home Secretary to express my views on the matter."