TORFAEN MP Paul Murphy is backing police officers in their protest over the government's pay settlement.

In a letter to Home Secretary Jacqui Smith Mr Murphy said he shares the concerns of local police officers and called for the government to reconsider the pay award.

More than 200 Gwent officers are expected to join officers across Britain next week to protest against the decision not to back date their pay increase.

In his letter Mr Murphy said: "I have to say that I share the concerns of my local police officers, especially as I understand that most police authorities have budgeted for the recommended award of 2.5 per cent.

I fully understand the need for pay restraint, but the proposed settlement arose out of arbitration."

Mr Murphy said he greatly valued the work of Gwent officers and he will meet with the Gwent Police Federation to discuss the issue later this month.

The Torfaen MP has also added his name to a House of Commons motion in support of police officers.

The Early Day Motion expresses the House of Commons disappointment at the government's failure to accept the full recommendations of the Police Arbitration Tribunal police pay award.

It says: "This house believes that the pay settlement should be backdated to 1 September, notes that the police are the front line in the fight against organized crime, terrorism and anti-social behaviour, recognises that their work puts them at great personal risk."

The motion also describes the dispute over a 0.6 per cent pay difference as "petty and needless" and calls upon the government to reconsider its decision.