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Secret deal hatched by News of the World to hush up details of phone-tapping was sealed in a tiny room at the Royal Courts of Justice
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Tory anger over arrest talks
02.12.08
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Ministers have been accused of trying to shut the Tories out of top level talks about Commons Speaker Michael Martin's response to the controversy over the arrest of Opposition frontbencher Damian Green.
A leaked email revealed Harriet Harman, the Leader of the House, is organising a meeting with other ministers, civil servants and Commons officials.
It will consider the Speaker's much-anticipated statement to the Commons, which comes amid MPs' fury that police were allowed to search the offices of the Tory immigration spokesman.
His arrest, over a series of leaks from the Home Office, has infuriated many MPs.
The Tories are demanding to be allowed to take part in Tuesday's meeting, privately claiming that those present are trying to collude with the Speaker.
One described it as a "stitch-up" which they had only learned of, coincidentally, via a leak.
The email from Ms Harman's office extended invitations to a meeting about "arrangements of the Queen's Speech and considerations in advance of the Speaker's Statement on Police Action and Parliament".
Those invited included Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, Justice Secretary Jack Straw, Cabinet Secretary Gus O'Donnell and Serjeant at Arms Jill Pay - but no Conservatives.
Ms Harman's office insisted the advance meeting was only to discuss the logistics as the statement will be on the same day as the Queen's Speech.
But shadow home secretary Dominic Grieve said: "This is a completely improper meeting convened by the Government privately with the Commons authorities and senior civil servants to manage the Speaker's statement without any representation from other Parliamentarians."
Reader views (2)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
The "toff" Harriet Harman is throwing her weight around as usual. When will she learn that just because she comes from one of Britain's most wealthy families she cannot expect us all to let her get away with fudging the rules.
- Vanessa, London
The communist conspiracy continues.
Surprised that this Stalinist regime did not march Martin straight out to Parliament square and have him shot.
- Frank, Home Counties, England
