Police and Justice Bill

I thank the Home Secretary for his courtesy in giving way again. He has already stressed in his speech the importance of maintaining the support of communities, but is he aware that, with regard to his proposed changes to police forces, all the methods that have been used so far to test public opinion in my county of Essex—telephone or internet polls organised by local newspapers and phone-ins to Essex radio stations—have shown overwhelming support for the retention of an Essex police force in its own right and very strong opposition to proposed mergers? If he really believes in keeping the support of communities, will he take that into account before any changes are announced in the east of England counties? Will he give us an assurance that the Essex force will be allowed to stand alone?