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Police to review MP leaks inquiry Police to review MP leaks inquiry
(about 4 hours later)
A senior police officer is to investigate the handling of the inquiry into Home Office leaks which led to the arrest of Tory MP Damian Green.A senior police officer is to investigate the handling of the inquiry into Home Office leaks which led to the arrest of Tory MP Damian Green.
British Transport Police chief constable Ian Johnston will report to the Metropolitan Police in two weeks.British Transport Police chief constable Ian Johnston will report to the Metropolitan Police in two weeks.
MPs are angry that Mr Green, the shadow immigration minister, was held while his Commons office was searched.MPs are angry that Mr Green, the shadow immigration minister, was held while his Commons office was searched.
The home secretary said she welcomed Mr Johnston's inquiry into what she called "very serious matters".The home secretary said she welcomed Mr Johnston's inquiry into what she called "very serious matters".
Tory complaintsTory complaints
Prime Minister Gordon Brown reiterated his comment, first made on Monday, that no MP can be "above the law".Prime Minister Gordon Brown reiterated his comment, first made on Monday, that no MP can be "above the law".
Officers from the Metropolitan Police's anti-terrorism squad arrested Mr Green last Thursday and held him for nine hours.Officers from the Metropolitan Police's anti-terrorism squad arrested Mr Green last Thursday and held him for nine hours.
These are very serious matters, and the police should be free to pursue their investigations without fear or favour Jacqui SmithHome Secretary Nick Robinson on the leaks row href="/1/hi/uk_politics/7759629.stm">Tories warn of 'stitch-up' These are very serious matters, and the police should be free to pursue their investigations without fear or favour Jacqui SmithHome Secretary Nick Robinson on the leaks row href="/1/hi/uk_politics/7759629.stm">Cameron and Clegg in 'leak talks'
They also searched all his homes and offices. The Ashford MP denies all wrongdoing and has been released on bail until February.They also searched all his homes and offices. The Ashford MP denies all wrongdoing and has been released on bail until February.
The Conservatives say Scotland Yard's behaviour was "heavy-handed", as the inquiry is into leaks of information not related to national security or covered by the Official Secrets Act.The Conservatives say Scotland Yard's behaviour was "heavy-handed", as the inquiry is into leaks of information not related to national security or covered by the Official Secrets Act.
In a statement, the Met's acting commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson, said: "I am properly concerned about the issues being raised within the continuing debate surrounding the ongoing investigation into the leaking of government information."In a statement, the Met's acting commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson, said: "I am properly concerned about the issues being raised within the continuing debate surrounding the ongoing investigation into the leaking of government information."
Interim reportInterim report
He added that there would be an "urgent review of our decisions, actions and handling of the investigation to date".He added that there would be an "urgent review of our decisions, actions and handling of the investigation to date".
Mr Johnston has been asked to provide an interim report within a week and a full set of findings within a fortnight.Mr Johnston has been asked to provide an interim report within a week and a full set of findings within a fortnight.
Dominic Grieve on the questions he wants answeredDominic Grieve on the questions he wants answered
Sir Paul said: "In the meantime the [Home Office leaks] investigation team will be meeting with the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service] to review progress and consider next steps."Sir Paul said: "In the meantime the [Home Office leaks] investigation team will be meeting with the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service] to review progress and consider next steps."
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has denied any prior knowledge of Mr Green's arrest, which relates to information passed by Home Office worker Christopher Galley.Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has denied any prior knowledge of Mr Green's arrest, which relates to information passed by Home Office worker Christopher Galley.
She said: "In view of the gravity and sensitivity of this ongoing investigation, I spoke to Sir Paul yesterday to seek his assurance that the investigation was being pursued diligently, sensitively and in a proportionate manner.She said: "In view of the gravity and sensitivity of this ongoing investigation, I spoke to Sir Paul yesterday to seek his assurance that the investigation was being pursued diligently, sensitively and in a proportionate manner.
"Sir Paul informed me of his intention to conduct a review of the handling of the case, which I welcomed.""Sir Paul informed me of his intention to conduct a review of the handling of the case, which I welcomed."
She added: "These are very serious matters, and the police should be free to pursue their investigations without fear or favour."She added: "These are very serious matters, and the police should be free to pursue their investigations without fear or favour."
HAVE YOUR SAYThe police have probably been overzealous in their approach, but is the government concerned about what else the police may find?Paul, OxfordSend us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAYThe police have probably been overzealous in their approach, but is the government concerned about what else the police may find?Paul, OxfordSend us your comments
For the Conservatives, shadow home secretary Dominic Grieve told the BBC: "I welcome this review but it is urgent that all this is sorted out quickly.For the Conservatives, shadow home secretary Dominic Grieve told the BBC: "I welcome this review but it is urgent that all this is sorted out quickly.
"Until it is, parliamentarians will be unable to do their jobs properly.""Until it is, parliamentarians will be unable to do their jobs properly."
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said there was a danger that MPs' rights could be on a "slippery slope".Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said there was a danger that MPs' rights could be on a "slippery slope".
He added: "The government should be accountable to the people. That's what democracy is about.He added: "The government should be accountable to the people. That's what democracy is about.
"That can only work if opposition MPs have some power to hold the powerful to account.""That can only work if opposition MPs have some power to hold the powerful to account."