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MPs prepare to oppose 42-day detention

Opposition politicians have vowed to fight the government’s controversial plans to extend pre-charge detention to 42 days. The counterterrorism bill received its second reading in the Commons unopposed last night but Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and some Labour MPs plan to attack specific passages when it enters the committee stage for scrutiny. MPs remain deeply sceptical… Read more »

Speaker subject to expenses probe

A Commons investigation has been launched into the speaker’s expenses claims. John Lyons, the parliamentary commissioner for standards, has begun a preliminary investigation into Michael Martin’s expenses. The speaker has faced criticism over his wife’s £4,280 bill for taxis, which he maintains were only used for official business. His aide, Mike Grannatt, resigned in February… Read more »