Liberal Democrats will not take part in futile inquiry - Hughes

12.00.00pm GMT Tue 9th Dec 2008

Yesterday the government used its majority to squeeze out a cross-party amendment to proposals to establish a Speaker's committee to investigate the search and seizure of materials from the office of Damian Green MP.

In an impassioned debate, Simon Hughes led Liberal Democrats in opposing government efforts to impose its will on the House. He was joined by members from all parties in expressing grave concern that the government were seeking to restrict the power of the committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the disturbing events of last month.

The government succeeded in passing its motion which will:

1) Establish a government majority on the committee

2) Prevent the committee investigation from starting until any relevant police inquiry or proceedings are completed

3) Restrict the committee's remit to just the internal processes of the House

Yesterday, former Liberal Democrat leader, Menzies Campbell tabled an amendment opposing these government barriers to a meaningful inquiry. Despite attracting cross-party support, the amendment was defeated by 285 votes to 281 in the chamber. In response to the aggressive government handling of the concerns of parliament, the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives both made it clear that they would not participate in what would be a meaningless inquiry.

Commenting on the setting up of an inquiry into the arrest of Damian Green, Liberal Democrat Shadow Leader of the House, Simon Hughes said:

"The Government has used its majority to castrate Parliament and prevent proper parliamentary investigation into the police raid on an MP's office.

"Liberal Democrats will not take part in a futile inquiry that will achieve nothing at all for many months.

"I hope the Government will think again. In any event, MPs will have to fight harder to restore the power and authority of Parliament which the citizens of Britain desperately need."