WARNINGS that Welsh police authorities risk missing out on funding unless they merge voluntarily were branded "disgraceful" by a Gwent MP.

Monmouth MP David Davies today said the government's approach was "completely unethical".

He is among many Gwent figures opposing a police merger. The Argus is also campaigning for Gwent Police to remain a single force.

But Home Secretary Charles Clarke believes an all-Wales force is the best way to police the country.

He had given the police authorities in Wales until last Friday to agree to a single force.

All four have now rejected the plans, citing concerns over the speed of change, funding and community policing.

Gwent Police was the last Welsh authority to formally reject the voluntary merger, on Thursday.

Now Welsh Secretary Peter Hain has warned there is a "danger" of forces losing out on financial incentives.

He said the Home Office had allocated £125 million towards funding UK police mergers but that forces who rejected the merger could lose out on extra funding.

Mr Hain said: "There is money up front.

"It may even be possible to increase it if there's serious negotiation, but if the authorities sit on their hands and refuse to do anything then the Home Office and the government is left with no alternative but to legislate.

"I don't think that's in the interests of policing in Wales."

Today David Davies said this kind of leverage was unacceptable.

He said: "The amount they are offering won't even cover the cost of the merger and now they're threatening to withhold that unless the police forces do what they're told."

Geraint Price-Thomas, the chairman of Gwent Police Authority, says the pace of reform is causing the greatest concern.

Mr Clarke has the power to force through the mergers after a four-month consultation period, due to begin on March 1.

Mr Hain is now urging the authorities to negotiate with the government.

He said: "The best way to get the best deal is to go in and negotiate, not to sit back and refuse to do so."

Mr Price-Thomas said he would keep talking to the government throughout but that the position must be made clear.