Defending MP's Tweets: Why too few tweets makes an old fart

I absolutely refute all criticism of MP's who spend time on Twitter - because it is a very real, very interactive way for them to stay in touch with Constituents and real public opinion.

David Cameron once said, "too many tweets make a twat", clearly, like so many, misunderstanding the full impact of that word - but even the PM, I am reliably informed, has a dabble on twitter under a ghost account.

Some MP's will proudly boast that they would never touch twitter, and don't see the point. I am reminded of the phrase, "There is none so blind as those who will not see".

Security Clearances: CT, SC & DV - what they mean

There are a lot of reports doing the rounds about Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell's reply to Labour's Ivan Lewis on the subject of Andy Coulson's Security Vetting.

But what are the different types of security clerance, why do we have them, and what are they for?

Well firstly, security clearance in these terms have nothing whatever to do with CRB checks - and criminal records per say, although naturally, someone's criminal history could effect their ability to be cleared.

The most basic level of Security Check is a CTC, or CT check. This stands for Counter Terror Check and involves a search on the Police National Computer, police intel files, and for any information held about you, your current or previous partners, or your family that might indicate any links to terror. CT checks are usually required for those with access to senior political figures and important buildings that could be vulnerable to a terrorist attack - such at the Commons, of an airport.

The next level up is an SC (Security Check) which includes all the attributes of CT, plus a bit more detail on financial backgrounds. I believe a basic check is done at CT level, but at SC level, the check is designed to make sure that you are not vulnerable to bribery. SC checks are used in similar circumstances to the above, plus for those who are likely to see restricted documents occasionally (usually supervised).

There is also a Baseline Check - BS, which is similar to SC - so much so that there is no point in exploring seperately to SC, but many Departmental Passholders are required to have a BS check.

The highest freely admitted type of security check is a DV check - Developed Vetting, and is designed for those who need regular unsupervised access to the most secret documents. DV checks take about 6 - 12 months, and involve a lot of invasive investigations, including interviewing previous partners to ask about sexual practice - and also friends and colleagues to explore sexual background. For instance, if someone was gay, and NOT open about it, they may fail the check on the grounds that they could be blackmailed. In no way is this anti anyone's sexuality - since as long as you inform the authorities, this will not be a barrier.

So there you go - a boring run through different types of security checks. Personally I am cleared to CT and SC level, but the key point is, you are ONLY security checked if you need to be. This is why Andy Coulson wasn't DV'd from the start.

really sad to hear of Gobby's Commons Pass loss

Commons Security is and must be taken extremely seriously - and for the record, as I posted yesterday, I am a HUGE supporter of security in Parliament and those who keep it.

I am however, without knowing all the circumstances, extremely sad to learn that Gobby (Paul Lambert) has had his Pass withdrawn, reportedly for filming the aftermath of yesterday's attack on Rupert Murdoch.

The Rules of the House are simply that you must cut away from any disruption in the Chamber or Committees, and you may not film in Parliament without a Special Permit. The Authorities have kindly issued me with permits in the past, and usually, where they can help, they do.

But whatever the rights and wrongs of the current situation, I would just like to say that Gobby is an institution round these ways and I'm deeply sad to hear that for the moment, he is not welcome on the Parliamentary Estate.

I sincerely hope that the Authorities will take in to account Gobby's long and distinguished record - and I am confident they will.

Good luck Gobby!

Twitter Jail again

Once again, and for only the second time ever, I have been thrown in to what's known as "Twitter Jail". It means you've tweeted too much - and equates to around 100 tweets in one hour.

Normally of course, this would be an unacceptable amount of spam - but twitter jail makes it difficult to do a genuine running commentary of these vital debates and Evidence sessions.

Many apologies to followers - I will at some point contact Twitter to ask if they can do anything about this - but it has to be said, the current situation is totally unique, hence running commentary.my iPhone

Why I'm proud of Commons Security

Good morning all,

Security in the Commons is once again in the spotlight following the disruption in the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee when 'Comedian' Johnny Marbles, aka John May-Bowles attacked Witness Rupert Murdoch.

The details that I have been able to stand up are that May-Bowles is NOT a pass-holder, and did go through Commons Security screening for all visitors to the Parliamentary Estate. No weapons or dangerous liquids were found, and so the now suspended Labour Party member (well done Labour by the way) took in shaving foam, a paper plate and a paper cup. It was with this contraband that this idiot, who may well effect the close relationship the public have traditionally enjoyed with their representatives in Parliament, attacked 80 Year-old Rupert Murdoch while shouting "you naughty billionaire".

Now naturally, people will be saying this has been a security disaster for the Palace of Westminster - and indeed my talkSPORT colleague Mike Graham (understandably) accused me earlier of having gone native by defending security - but firstly may I say, Commons Security do a fantastic job at keeping us all safe, from Police Officers, to Security Officers, Counter Terror PCSO's (yes they exist) to Door Keepers and Officers of he Serjeant at Arms. Commons Security have always come through for me, and I am tremendously proud of all the security, and in particular, the Palace of Westminster Police (SO17 for geeks).

So some will now be accusing me of viewing the situation through rose-tinted glasses - but I stand by my defence. Parliament should not be a fortress, and God willing, never will it be. There is a certain degree of trust given to those visiting Westminster - and yes from time to time, some abuse that trust, but if security were any tighter, I genuinely fear that Parliament would be less open.

As it was, under current arrangements, and as far as I can reveal what I know about security in the Palace - Police Officers were quick to jump in - after Mrs Murdoch had a VERY effective go by the way, and detained the thug involved. No doubt he's enjoying his cell in Charring Cross Police Station right now and thinking he's pretty darn smart - but I tell you no-balls, you've damaged democracy tonight so I hope you're proud.

I'm a TW*T: TOO many tweets says Twitter

I can't believe it - Twitter has told me I've posted "Too many tweets" in one hour.

Clearly my tweets have been live reports on the Rupert and James Murdoch, and Rebekah Brooks Testimony to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, but Twitter, understandably to a degree feels that my tweets are blocking their system.

Anyway - I would be tweeting live updates if but twitter would allow, so MANY apologies to followers for this.

The argument against recalling Parliament

Downing Street has this morning confirmed that the Prime Minister will seek to have Parliament Recalled so that it sits on Wednesday, rather than rising tomorrow night.

If you scroll down, you will see why Ed Miliband is calling for a Recall, and I think there will be a lot of people who agree with the Leader of the Opposition.

For the avoidance of any doubt, I am not expressing a personal view, or otherwise arguing that Parliament should NOT sit on Wednesday, but rather putting across why others may argue that a Recall could actually be unhealthy for Parliamentary process.

The central reason that MP's are seeking a Recall is to debate the significant Evidence that will be given to John Whittingdale's Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee - namely the sage words of Murdoch and Murdoch, and it is entirely understandable that a Public Interest argument is being made for this - but it's important to realise that in Recalling Parliament to debate Evidence given to a Select Committee departs rather significantly from how these things should work.

Usually, Select Committees investigate areas within their remit, take Evidence and Report to Government. Government then considers each Report and makes a formal response. It is considered bad form for government or Parliament to prejudge a Select Committee, or otherwise influence other Testimony that may be given - and this is why the Sports Minister, and Jeremy C Hunt (joke btw) felt unable to comment on football governance until the end of the Committee's inquiry.

Should Parliament be recalled to discuss phone hacking? Almost certainly yes. Should Parliament be recalled to discuss the finer details of Evidence given to the Select Committee? Almost certainly no.


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Location:Parliament

Why Ed Miliband will call for Parliamentary Recess to be delayed

“Rebekah Brooks has been arrested, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner has resigned, tomorrow we will have some of the most important select committee hearings in modern times and the Prime Minister has decided to leave the country, not to return until after Parliament breaks up for summer.

"In these circumstances the right and responsible thing for the Government to do must be to extend the parliamentary session for at least 24 hours so the House of Commons meets on Wednesday.

"It would give MPs have the chance to debate the issues arising from the select committee hearings and ensure the Prime Minister answers the many unanswered questions that he faces.

"Unless the Government agrees to Parliament meeting on Wednesday, MPs cannot do their jobs properly and the Prime Minister has no chance of sorting out this crisis.”


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COMMISSIONER RESIGNS: Whyhe must be admired

Politicians of all colours need to take a leaf out of the book of Met Commissioner Sir Paul Stevenson, who has tonight resigned as Britain's top cop.

He told a full press conference that the Metropolitan Police Service could not be distracted from their important tasks in investigating phone-hacking and corruption, and policing the London 2012 Olympics by reports of his own connections with former News of the World Exec Neil Wallis, and by speculation over the future leadership of the Met in the light of recent revelations surrounding possible bungling in the original investigation.

London Mayor Boris Johnson has backed the Commissioner's integrity saying, "I'm sorry to see him go in these circumstances", "his personal integrity is not in question", and "I think that he has been a fine servant of London - but I understand completely the logic of what he was telling me".

The last politician to take ultimate responsibility was Lord Carrington in 1982 - what a shame it is that in 2011, only policemen seem to live by these standards.

BROOKS ARREST: How will this effect Evidence to Parliament

Sources have confirmed to me that Rebekah Brooks is the latest person to be arrested in connection with inquiries in to phone hacking and corruption.

We should always remember that an arrest does not mean someone has done anything wrong - but rather allows people to be formally questioned as per provisions of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 - however, whatever the substance, or lack of it, this will undoubtedly have consequences for the planned Evidence session to John Whittingdale's Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on Tuesday when Brooks, and the two Murdoch's are due to appear.

I understand that the CMS Committee Members had different views on whether Tuesday's Witnesses should be made to give Evidence under Oath or not, but in my view, this is a total non-issue, since any false Evidence to Parliament is punishable under Contempt provisions - but the CMS Committee, in light of the ongoing and numerous inquiries involved, were and are being advised legally by Clarks.

So what will today's arrest mean for Tuesday's Evidence Session? Well strictly speaking, it shouldn't mean much in terms of Brooks having to appea. Parliament could of course decide that it would be wrong to ask Brooks to appear in the circumstances, but it seems unlikely that Parliament will miss this early opportunity to quiz all three main players in the ongoing saga.

My understanding, through well placed sources is that the CMS Committee were advised legally that any attempt on the part of either of the three Witnesses to refuse to answer on the grounds of multiple inquiries would have been stonewalled by MP's since no arrests had been made.

This has now changed, and with it, in all probability, so has the CMS Committee's ability to insist on uncomfortable answers, at least on the part of Rebekah Brooks.

And so finally, one must look at the timing of today's arrest. It is staggaring that police have chosen now to make today's arrest since they will know that this could impede Parliament's questioning power on Tuesday. A suspicious person might even think that this was the intention - of course I couldn't possibly suggest such an unfortunate line of thinking. One might even think that the Police and Parliament felt they were on different sides here. Interesting!


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News Corp withdraw BskyB bid

Westminster has been rocked, but expectedly so by News Corps decision to withdraw their bid to takeover BskyB, just hours before MP's will pass a Motion calling for such a decision.

The Prime Minister had clearly indicated his displeasure with the ongoing bid in the face of such controversy and criminal allegations.

The Conservative MP for Stevenage, Stephen McPartland welcomed the decision,

"I think the Prime Minister has shown strong leadership, and he has made it clear that Parliament is united".

He continued, "anyone who has broken the law, whether in the media, police or news international should be prosecuted, and feel the full force of the law".

This is all we have for you now - it's expected that the House will continue on to pass tonight's Motion - but as a famous football commentator once said, "They think it's all over!"


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Hacking & Corruption: Why I've hung up my Press Card

Around my neck lies my Parliamentary Pass in one holder, and on the other side, the empty card holder where for ten years, my British Association of Journalists' UK Press Card lived, and it feels weird checking and remembering that I don't have one anymore.

Recent news of phone hacking and corruption in some areas of the media and police has persuaded me that the battle for ethical press freedom must be one. The Prime Minister has said that there should be a new watchdog for the press, which is "free from government control". But will it be free from political control I wonder? Let's remember that Lord Hutton's public sector pension review is theoretically independent from government.

And so it has fallen to characters like David Davis and Jeremy Dear of the National Union of Journalists to call for some sense of perspective and to at least shout from a crowded corner of folk loudly disagreeing that the media as a whole is free, honest and ethical and while we should condemn and prosecute criminals, we should never seek to impede the free press, or as some may still call it God willing, the Fourth Estate.

And so it is up to us as journalists not to make political points - we should be above that, but to stand up for the rights of all media to ask the questions we need to ask without fear or favour. This is a principle worth defending with our lives - and I believe that the National Union of Journalists have gone above and beyond the call of what many might expect to defend the honourable press, and to call for the press to remain free.

It is for this reason that I have decided (as a non-union man really) to join the NUJ chorus, and unfortunately to cancel my membership of the excellent British Association of Journalists. This sounds odd, so let me explain.

There are a number of so-called gatekeeper organisation who are authorised and able to hand out UK Press cards to properly checked working journalists. The UK Press Card Scheme is recognised by the Association of Chief Police Officers, and Police Forces up and down the country. Consequently, UK Press Cards are recognised by most public organisations and private citizens. Since it is not possible to hold more than one press card at a time, I have had to cancel my BAJ membership. It is wholly for this reason and no other - and I would strongly suggest that journalists, particularly those on a limited budget explore joining the BAJ.

And so I embark on my train journey home - and no doubt many other journeys in the coming week or so, unable to identify myself professionally (though hopeful I might manage it in an emergency), so here's hoping that the NUJ speed through my paperwork, and the BAJ know they have my very highest regards.

Weekly Digest: Your look at the political week ahead.

Good evening,

Welcome to the weekly look ahead. As I tweeted earlier, I have picked a few key items from each day - but should you find this less informative or useful than my usual full preview, please do let me know.

Monday

Michael Gove is in the Commons for Education Questions at 2:30 before a Statement confirming the publication of the Public Services White Paper - then the House considers Lords Amendments to the European Union Bill. In the Lords, it's Day Three of the Police and Social Responsibility Bill (Report Stage).

The Public Services White Paper is published tomorrow, and the PM will make a speech alongside.

Employment Minister Chris Grayling speaks at 7pm on welfare reform in Central London.

Tuesday

Andrew Lansley is up at 2:30 in the Commons for Health Questions… Sajid Javid has a Ten Minute Rule Bill on a National Debt Cap - before the House passes a motion allowing the Clark of the House to Retire… then the Public Bodies Bill gets it's Second Reading. In the Lords, the Police (Detention and Bail) Bill gets it's Second Reading before the Localism Bill enters Day Seven of it's Committee stage.

EU Finance Ministers, including George Osborne will meet in Brussels - with an expected Greece heavy agenda.

*** The Home Affairs Select Committee sits in session on PHONE HACKING. Witnesses include Assistang Commissioner of the Met Andy Hayman, Former Assistant Commissioner Peter Clarke and DAC Sue Akers who is leading the current inquiry.

A fourth item for today *** The Office for Fair Access confirms the universities that it has accepted to charge the max 9k tuition fees for the next academic year.

Wednesday

Employment / Labour stats are out at 9:30am.

Andrew Mitchell is up in the Commons for International Development Questions before Ed and Dave face each other for PMQ's, with a HIGHLY LIKELY focus on the proposed BskyB take-over by News International. This would be ahead of the Opposition Day Motion on delaying / scrapping the takeover. There's an interesting Adjournment debate on tonight on the management of football clubs in administration by Alison Seabeck. In the Lords, Questions include the Devolution to England before moving on to the European Union Bill, considerations of Commons Amendments - and finally Day four of the Police and Social Responsibility Bill Report Stage.

*** David Cameron and Ed Miliband meet to discuss cross-party action on phone-hacking. This is LIKELY to be before PMQ's. We have no direct insight, but given that Labour's Opposition Day Debate is on BskyB it would be weird for this to happen during or before discussions on News International and phone hacking.

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper attends an open meeting of the Police Federation of England and Wales.

Thursday

Business Secretary Vince Cable is in the Commons for BIZ QUESTIONS - could be interesting! Then Sir George Young, Leader of the House will make his weekly Business Statement - Annette Brooks has a Ten Minute Rule Bill on protective head-wear for children on cycles, and David Burrowes has an Adjournment Debate on the subject of Ian Puddick. In the Lords, it's Day Eight of the Committee Stage of the Localism Bill.

The Justice Committee Reports today on the Operation of the Family Courts.

Stats are out today on NHS Referral to Treatment, i.e. measuring time between referral from your Doctor (GP) to Treatment.

Friday

The Lords is sitting today - and the Coinage Bill gets it's Second Reading.Then the House sits in  Committee on the Live Music Bill before staying in Committee but not he Rehabilitation of Offenders Bill.

Turkey hosts the fourth meeting of the Libya Contact Group.

Today is the deadline for free registration if you hope to attend the Lib Dem Autumn Conference.

Tango 190: A review without spoilers

Tango 190 is the callusing for PC David Rathband of Northumbria Police. It's also the name of his excellent book, out now, and published by Penguine Books.

I need not review the story… it's already out there - but what has not previously been out there is the extent to which it would appear that failure in communications at Northumbria Police would appear to have cost David Rathband his sight - and it is perhaps this section of the book that offers the most shocking insight in to last year's events.

Sight loss is one of the most traumatic things that can befall any of us - but it's usual, as it was in my own experience, for there to be some transitional period. David tells the story of the trauma of being instantly transported from the life of a fully sighted person, to that of a blind person with absolutely no warning.

Follow the story as PC Rathband and his family battle against the intrusion in to every area of their lives - and read how this effected the family.

There are many important lessons that can be learnt from Tango 190, but perhaps one of the most important points within is that for now, we know David Rathband's name. We know Roul Moat's name - but few will remember that of Chris Brown - the man shot and killed with three shots from Moat's shotgun - two of which would certainly have been fatal on their own.

Tango 190 is gripping, shocking, frightening even, but most of all informative. It would be wrong to say you will enjoy reading it, because you would be inhuman to enjoy reading about the tragedies within - but you won't be able to put it down and I suspect it's one of those books you'll want to pick up again and again to check you got the unbelievable facts right.

It's Tango 190 by David Rathband, published by Biteback media. Read it, or you're just being silly! 5 Stars!

My tribute to the News of the World

Assuming top producers at talkSPORT desire, I will be packaging up a report on the long rise, and dramatic fall of the World's most popular Sunday.

I can only join the chorus of colleagues offering the most sincere sympathy with our colleagues and friends in the News of the World Lobby, and beyond. There is naturally a lot of resentment across News International that at least in the perceptions of many, 500 jobs have been axed (we believe 200 laid off, 300 offered to apply for other news int. jobs) to save the skin of just one person.

The political team, led by Associate Editor Dave Wooding in Westminster are about the best you can get - and I am certain that they will be snapped up quicker than a sausage in Berlin - but what a truly shocking way for an historic publication to end.

I am only sorry that a particular individual in un-elected politics will take such pleasure in the job losses, and the damage this will do to News International as a whole.

But what goes around, comes around - EVEN if you are round!

Why it's wrong to link phone-hacking with "The Press"

I was as shocked as you were yesterday to hear of the disgusting hacking of a 13 year-old missing girl, and like you, I sincerely hope that the police will investigate this criminal offence.

I am nearly as distressed to hear that some are linking these actions with "the press". Lets be absolutely clear about this - these are no more the actions of the press than the actions of a corrupt police officer are the actions of the Metropolitan Police Service, or the actions of Eric Illsley are the actions of Labour Leader Ed Miliband.

I think everyone should remember that dishonesty happens in every industry - but I can assure you that I have never hacked anyone's telephone, nor has anyone on my behalf, nor have I ever been aware of anyone, media related or not, hacking anyone's telephone.

If "the press" are responsible for this action, then politicians are responsible for theft by false accounting. Can we please get some perspective here and unite in the cause of bringing this unfortunate matter to a satisfactory conclusion?

The @guidedogs Transport and Mobility Conference today

I have spent the day at the Guide Dogs Transport and Mobility Conference in London, having been invited to deliver the keynote speech.

The purpose of the speech was to help set out the agenda for the day, which was for all the gathered professionals to focus on improving transport and mobility for blind and partially sighted, as well as other disabled people in the UK.

I sincerely hope that my nasty tonsillitis (not contagious anymore so don't panic) didn't destroy the main thesis of my speech which, was to urge all assembled to consider that sometimes, people just don't think about accessibility, and to try and approach the topics of train, aircraft, bus and taxi travel, as well as the pedestrian environment without becoming too jaded with an apparent (yet I hope unintentional) unintentional disregard to the safety of blind and partially sighted people up and down the UK.

I am delighted to report that the workshops and consultation periods throughout the day resulted in some genuinely constructive, absolutely useful, and definitely common sense suggestions, which I feel confident will shape the campaigning priorities of guide dogs.

I should like to thank all the delegates and organisers of today's conference, and in particular, I should like to thank John Wellsman, Transport Policy Advisor from Guide Dogs, GDBA Chair Tony Aston, Jan Peak, Jan Wellsman, James White and Carol Thomas for all their help.

That's all for now folks. I'm off to the launch of the Huffington Post UK's Parliamentary Event… I look forward to reading, and writing for this exciting new website, the US version of which has taken the globe by storm.

JOHN WHITTINGDALE Interview on FIFA Corruption claims & England's "lacking" bid for 2018

(SCROLL DOWN TO READ MY REPORT, ABOUT THIS REPORT)

This is my talkSPORT Interview with John Whittingdale, Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee. Please use freely when you credit talkSPORT.


SD - Now this is hardly a ringing endorsement, a vote of confidence for Sep Blatter?


JW – Well I think that the record of FIFA since the election does not inspire confidence, and we were astonished that it appeared when the Ethics Committee Report on Jack Warner was shown to him, and that led to his resignation, FIFA then deemed it appropriate to drop the investigation and not proceed any further.

SD – Which you would say backs up the idea of a lack of transparency?

JW – It certainly backs up the idea of a lack of transparency, and what it suggests is that FIFA continue to have no desire to conduct a proper investigation and get to the bottom of what are very serious allegations.

SD – Ok, I appreciate the gravity of this question, do you think it’s time that the FIFA President Sep Blatter considers his position?

JW – Well I mean Sep Blatter has just been re-elected and…

SD – And a fair competition it was too.

JW – (laughing) well exactly…but the English FA at the time made it plain that they were highly dissatisfied that the election process went ahead with only one candidate. I think what is now important is that the FA and all others who are concerned about these matters should bring pressure to bear to make sure that Sep Blatter forfills some of the undertakings given at the time of his election, and that a proper investigation is carried out.

SD – Now of course you said FIFA have been hugely discredited, but that it’s not just them because there’s criticism of the World Cup Bid, the England 2018 bid, so is there some suggestion that even without any unknown factor with FIFA, that the bid wasn’t up to scratch anyway?

JW – I think there are concerns about the quality of the English Bid, and one of the things we have said is that the FA need to look at that and learn lessons for the future. That is what was supposed to happen last time, and it does appear that some of the lessons weren’t properly learned. Obviously it wasn’t helped by the fact that the FA lost both the Chairman and the Chief Executive during the course of the Bid Campaign, and there were other areas where the England bid was deficient, but I don’t think that necessarily explains the fact that England ended up with just two votes when most people considered the England bid was a pretty strong one.

SD – Including the Prime Minister it has to be said. Now you’ve worked in Downing Street yourself with Mrs Thatcher, how do you think David Cameron will receive this report?

JW – I think David Cameron will share a lot of concerns that the Committee has felt. He committed to the bid. Prince William of course was actually deployed by the bid team to go and lobby for England it does now begin look now as if actually, we never stood any chance right from the start.

SD – And on balance, who’s fault would that be?

JW – Well I think the main fault is FIFA in that if it was the case that FIFA was always going to take the view that they wanted to give the contest to countries where football was still relatively under-developed, where it would help to bring on the game, that’s a perfectly legitimate argument, but they might have told us that in the first place. I mean we did actually spend quite a lot of money, we prepared what we thought was a very strong bid… yes there were problems with it, but certainly I think most people thought it deserved more than just two votes.

SD – Lastly then, you made criticisms of the government, the decision to announce the bid early on. Was it potentially the case that politicians were trying to attach themselves to this for popularity, not just the current government actually, but the previous government as well?

JW – Well there were one or two witnesses who said that the announcement at a very early stage was unusual, and maybe it added to the problems that the bid faced, but that I don’t think was a major factor, but certainly that’s something that I hope if we do decide to go down this road again will be taken in to account at that tiem.

=== ENDS ===
PLEASE USE FREELY WHEN YOU MENTION TALKSPORT

ED BALLS will try to force government to re-adopt Labour's bank bonus tax later

The Labour Party will table an amendment to the Finance Bill this afternoon in the Commons in an unlikely attempt to force the government to repeat Labour’s banking tax.

Labour’s Treasury team, headed by Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls says that the re-introduction of taxes on bloated bank bonuses would allow government to create up to 100,000 jobs for young people, finance the building of 25,000 affordable homes as well as enabling a cash injection to boost the regional growth fund.

Don’t worry, we’re assured that Alan Johnson has played no part in the maths, but we’re told that Labour’s number crunchers believe that this, combined with the permanent bank levy would raise at least £2 Billion this year.
No one will be surprised to learn that Ed Balls will also call on Chancellor George Osborne to reverse the VAT rise on a temporary basis, which he will tell the government frontbench should help to create and support jobs.
These are very nice ideas, but lets be honest, with a combined Tory, Lib Dem showing of 362 seats verses Labour’s 256, Chris Grayling has got more chance of succeeding Theresa May as Secretary of State for Equality than Ed Balls has of forcing these suggestions through… which might suggest to a cynic that what this is really about is scoring political points. But hey, that’s politics I suppose.

BREAKING: MP's slam England's 2018 bid as "lacking & call for "urgent" inquiry in to FIFA corruption

An influential group of MP’s has hit out at FIFA over allegations of bribery, and has called on them to initiate a “full, urgent and independent investigation, and for the outcome to be made public” after a number of key witnesses alleged malfeasance.


The report lays bare a culture of behind-closed-door dealings within the international football governing body, and criticises unacceptable behaviour. “FIFA has given every impression of wishing to sweep all allegations of misconduct under the carpet, and of dismissing anyone bringing allegations to them with an approach bordering on contempt.”

The ten Member Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, Chaired by John Whittingdale has also hit out at the FA expressing regret that, “England’s bid team appears to have lacked a number of the components of a successful bid”.” Attacking the 2018 bid team’s ability to communicate effectively, the Committee found, “lessons did not appear to have been learned from previous studies with regard to the composition and unity of the bid team, and the messages it needed to project. “More fundamentally, it appears that the groundwork for a successful bid had not been laid effectively with football’s international bodies.”

Government have also come in for criticism over it’s early announcement of the bid – and has been urged for future to consider whether “sufficient attention “ is “given to evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the England Bid”, which it suggests was lacking before and during the 2018 process.

And the BBC’s decision to air the investigative Panorama Programme on the virtual eve of FIFA’s vote (November 29) has been vindicated, “We agree with Mark Thompson (BBC Director General) that both the timing and content of the Panorama Programme was amply justified by the public interest in FIFA’s Governance, and more generally in independent and impartial journalism”.

The key recommendations of the report are:

• that a “full, urgent and independent investigation” in to allegations of corruption within FIFA be conducted.

• That FIFA conduct a thorough review of the governance of its bid processes, modelled on the steps that the International Olympic Committee took after allegations of bribery and corruption in Salt Lake City’s Bid to host the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

• That the FA conduct a review of its’ 2018 Bid Team.

• That the FA should review its’ longer term stratergy for engaging with FIFA, and other international football authorities, in order to increase its’ influence, including with regard to governance reform.

• That the Government should consider it’s “early announcement of the bid, and whether sufficient attention was given to evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the England Bid”.

• That FIFA should prove its’ commitment to increased openness and transparency by publishing it’s ethics committee report (which it scrapped following FIFA Executive Committee Member Jack Warner’s resignation).

But the cross-party group have expressed doubt on the FIFA President’s ability to deliver a meaningful inquiry in to the governance and bidding process. The report concludes, “The record of Sep Blatter to date does not inspire confidence that this will occur.”

Speaking ahead of the Report’s publication, Committee Chair John Whittingdale said,

“The Committee’s decision to hold a special Hearing on FIFA and England’s Bid to host the 2018 World Cup has been amply justified by the revelations that followed from it. These have shown beyond doubt that FIFA’s governance, and it’s process for awarding competitions is in need of fundamental reform, yet the re-election of Sep Blatter, and the decision to drop the FIFA Ethics Committee Investigation following Jack Warner’s investigation suggests nothing has changed. The credibility of FIFA has been hugely damaged, and it is now up to Mr Blatter to deliver on his promises, made at the time of his re-election, and to show that allegations of misconduct and corruption will no longer be swept under the carpet”.

 
*** John Whittingdale interview for talkSPORT will appear later ***

Weekly Digest: Your look at the political week ahead

Good evening all,

Here are all the things I am able to print in advance.

Monday

Defence Secretary Liam Fox and pals are up in the Commons for Defence Questions. Later, the house moves on to day two of the remaining stages of the Finance Bill - so expect a late one. Meanwhile, in the Lords, it's the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill - Day 2 of the Report Stage.

Ronald Reagan's statue is unveiled in Central London. Former PM Maggie Thatcher is unable to attend for health reasons, but Foreign Secretary William Hague will attend for the Government (9:30am). Later, in the evening, there will be a banquet at the Guildhall at 7:30.

*** Health Secretary Andrew Lansley speaks at the Faculty of Public Health Conference in Birmingham.

The Centre for Policy Studies reveals that household income stagnated between 2004/5 - the report, out at 12:01 looks at household finances under New Labour.

The Commission on funding of care and support report is out at 12:30 (The Dilnot Enquiry) on social care. We expect there to a maximum cap on the amount any older person will have to contribute to their own care - and a more generous lower threshold (currently around 23k) before individual contributions are expected. If we are right in our thinking - there will need to be a £2Bn injection from the treasury each year... and Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has promised that the report's suggestions will not be swept under the carpet.

The Mayor of London ,Boris Johnson, attends an event in Westfield, Stratford on the funding of the 2012 games, and the effects on delivery.

The Public Accounts Committee hears evidence from the Permanent Secretary to the Department for International Development on savings in the department.

Housing Minister Grant Shapps is at the Communities and Local Government Committee, discussing regeneration from a housing perspective.

At 4:30pm, former Security Minister Baroness Neville Jones is up before the Joint Committee on national security strategy in the Lords.

There's an interesting "Unions 21 Event" at 6:15pm organised by Prospect on the image of Unions and how they can help keep their image up to date.


Tuesday

Nick Clegg is at the Despatch Box for DPMQ's at 2:30pm, then Dom Grieve takes Questions to the Attorney General - then it's Day 3 of the remaining stage of the Finance Bill. The Localism Bill takes the floor in the Lords - it's Day 5 of the Committee stage - then accountability with respect to social and environmental issues.

*** The Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee reports on the 2018 world cup bid. The report is out at midday, and embargoed copies are available from 11am.

*** Health Secretary Andrew Lansley is giving Evidence to the Health Select Committee at 10:30 on the NHS Future Forum.

Home Secretary Theresa May is up before the Home Affairs Select Committee discussing her role and responsibility.

*** Chancellor George Osborne is giving evidence to the Treasury Select Committee on the accountability of the Bank of England.

*** Eric Pickles speaks at the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountability at the ICC in Birmingham at their annual conference. Margaret Hodge, Chair of the influential Public Accounts Committee also speaks.

Cabinet Office Minister Frances Maude is at a Civil Service Live event.Decentralisation Minister Greg Clarke, Cabinet Secretary Gus O'Donnel and Cabinet Office CEO Ian Watmore also speak.

At midday, the Public Accounts Committee has a report out on IT and Communications in Government.

Home Office Minister James Brokenshire speaks at the International Cybre Security Protection Alliance - a cross-agency scheme bringing government and law enforcement on an international scale. The Chair of this organisation is former Home Secretary David Blunkett - and he'll be speaking too.

Backbenchers will have the chance to put their backbench debate proposals to the usual Committee.

Mike Bracken takes up his role as Government's Director of Digital - i.e. interacting online.


Wednesday

Northern Ireland Questions quicks off the agenda in the Commons today followed by (we hope) a lively exchange between Ed Miliband and David Cameron - then there's a Ten Minute Rule Bill Amendment to Sunday Trading by Conservative MP Mark Menzies. In the Lords, Questions include the maintaining of inflation targets as primary criterion of monetary policy - then a motion on Lords membership on the Committee for the Draft House of Lords Reform Bill for approval. Then the Armed Forces Bill gets it's Second Reading.

Lord Neuberger the MoR is at the Draft defamation Bill.

Housing Minister Grant Shapps is before the Communities and Local GovernmentSelect Committee speaking about Localism issues in Welfare Reforms.

*** Vince Cable the Business Secretary is at the Energy Trade Association Summer Event.

The Centre for Social Justice Awards takes place celebrating the work of charities tackling poverty in the UK. Bob Geldof and Jemima Khan attend.

Business Secretary is at a "Made by Britain" event, that promotes British Trade in the House of Commons.

The Military Covenant in Action - a Defence Committee Inquiry takes place.

Theresa May is at the European Scrutiny Committee at 4pm on Parliamentary Security Opt-In rules.

NHS Confederation and Exhibition takes place at the eGMEX Centre in Manchester today.

The profitability for UK Companies Q1 2011 is out today.


Thursday

It's six years ago today that the 7/7 attacks took place in London.

Chris Huhne is up at the Despatch Box for Energy and Climate Change Questions. Sir George Young, Leader of the House makes his weekly Business Statement - then it's the Fixed Term Parliament Bill (consideration of Lords Amendments) before moving on to backbench debates. Greg Knight has a debate on the use of handheld devices (Blackberry's ipads etc) in the Chamber. It's the Localism Bill is up in the Lords - which sits as a Committee of the entire House - then there's a motion of regret - UK Boarders Act 2007.

The Index of Production figures are out today at 9:30 and the bank of England Interest Rate Decision is at midday.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne, Green Party Leader Caroline Lucas, and Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary Meg Hillier are all speaking at the Parliamentary Renewable and Sustainable Energy Group at 5pm.

The Communities and Local Government Committee has a report out today at midday on the audit and inspection of local authorities

The Public Accounts Committee Reports at 12:01 on the Eastcoast Mainline..

The Third Volume of Alistair Campbell's diaries are out entitled "Power and responsibility".

IPSA publishes MP Expense Date for 2010/11 financial year.

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research publishes economic data - GDP estimates.

The Political and Constitutional Reform Committee hears evidence from University lecturers on codifying or not of the UK Constitution.


Friday

It's a non-sitting Friday today.

The  Consultation closes for submissions on the proposed NewsCorp takeover of BskyB today.

*** Former Prime Minister Tony Blair is at his friend Stephen Twigg's "Progress at 15' event - the 15th anniversary of the organisation's founding. This is open to Progress and Labour Party Members only.