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Brown insists: No minister knew of arrest in advance
Joe Murphy, Political Editor28.11.08
A FRANTIC operation was under way to protect Gordon Brown and Jacqui Smith from the fall-out of the Damian Green affair.
With MPs declaring the arrest was "madness" and a political own goal, the Prime Minster said: "I had no prior knowledge, the Home Secretary had no prior knowledge, I know of no other minister who had any prior knowledge."
Mr Brown said he was told after the event by his permanent secretary. "As I said to him, this is a matter for the police," he added. It then turned out Ms Smith's chief civil servant was given a few minutes' notice.
Permanent secretary Sir David Normington said: "Yesterday, I was informed by the Metropolitan Police at about 1.45pm that a search was about to be conducted."
He said he had called in the police after a spate of leaks and ministers were "only told of the arrest after it had occurred".But immigration minister Phil Woolas told BBC radio: "I had no knowledge. As far as I am aware, no ministers had any knowledge." He added he thought the case was "not straightforward", prompting a Tory to say: "He has let slip that he was briefed after all."
Questions about who knew what and when were flying around Whitehall and Westminster. Senior police sources said that the decision belonged to assistant commissioner Bob Quick, who is running the inquiry.
Acting commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson was involved and briefed Boris Johnson.
At the Commons, Speaker Michael Martin was apparently consulted and the Serjeant at Arms, Jill Pay, was told so that she could arrange access to the MP's office. David Cameron was also told at the last minute.
Reader views (4)
The PMs claim is unbelievable if only because for it to be true, anarchy would have to exist within the Home Office.
The arrest of Damian Green was undoubtedly sanctioned at Ministerial level and the Police were used as a party political tool.
Add to this the early undereporting of the incident on the BBC and not only does old Labour reveal itself but we see indications of a Police State.
There must be a full and open enquiry at the earliest.
- Jon Dee, N Warks UK
The Speaker consented! We had a civil war to protect our elected representatives. Why do I think that if this lot got another term of office it would become "anti-social behaviour" to criticise them in the future. ( On the grounds of "fairness" of course)
- R James, clifton uk
This is an example of how Britain's freedom is being eroded. It is utterly disgusting that a shadow minister should even be interrogated, let alone arrested, for doing his job. Damian Green represents the opposition on immigration among other items. Methinks of Russia etc in the 1950's.
- Rm Stewart Child, Bridgwater, UK
The more Robber Baron McBroon and Stupid Smiff deny any prior knowledge of this disgusting act the more proof is provided that they hold the country, and it's people, in complete contempt. Do they really think we are that stupid ?
- Roger, England
