The Progressive Unionist Party, the UVF's political wing, last night warned that it would rethink its position in the talks process if reported proposals by the Patten Commission on policing were true.
PUP Assembly member Mr Billy Hutchinson said that no unionist party or politician could possibly accept the alleged recommendations. The commission's report on the future of the RUC, written by its chairman, Mr Chris Patten, is due to be published in a fortnight.
However, the Belfast Telegraph this week published what it said was a leaked version of the report. It recommended renaming the RUC as the Police Service of Northern Ireland and changing the force's oath, badge and uniform. The Union flag would no longer be flown over RUC stations. The Police Authority would be replaced by a new policing board which would contain members of the North's Assembly, including at least two Sinn Fein representatives.
The PUP has written to Mr Patten to express its criticism.