Commons Showdown Over MP Raid

Sky News
Wednesday, Dec 03, 2008

A explosive showdown between MPs and the Commons Speaker Michael Martin is expected over a police raid on a Conservative member's office.

It was Mr Martin who gave Scotland Yard the go-ahead to search Damian Green's parliamentary quarters.

The decision could cost him his job, with backbench Tories considering tabling a motion of no confidence in the Speaker.

The issue will be debated after the Queen's Speech.

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The police search was considered by MPs to be a breach of parliamentary privilege.

Mr Martin will tell members of parliament why he gave police the okay.

Tory backbenchers are expected to lead demands for a full debate following his statement to the House at 2.30pm.

But aides say Mr Martin will seek to restrict questions to short points of order.

The Liberal Democrats are also expected to push for a full examination of events, with leader Nick Clegg warning that letting the incident pass would put parliament on a "slippery slope".

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