WHEN he examined the failings in the vetting procedures on Ian Huntley, Sir Michael Bichard raised serious concerns about the lack of integration between police forces.

It was clear from his findings that the resistance to greater co-operation was largely due to the local accountability and operational independence coveted by police authorities.

Humberside Police Authority and its chief constable David Westwood insist they are best placed to introduce the reforms arising out of the Soham tragedy.

Yet by defying the Home Secretary's order to suspend Mr Westwood, the authority is displaying the same parochial outlook criticised in the Bichard Report.

Mr Westwood's position remains untenable. The stance of the police authority is indefensible.

There have been gross failures in policing by the Humberside force, and Mr Westwood should take full responsibility for them.

And the police authority should forget its misplaced loyalty for Mr Westwood and begin the search for a successor who can implement the necessary changes.