ARREST COMMITTEE MUST RESOLVE UNANSWERED QUESTIONS - WILLIAMS

4.32.45pm GMT Wed 3rd Dec 2008

Commenting on the Speaker's Statement on the arrest of Conservative MP Damian Green, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Roger Williams MP said:

"I am pleased that the Speaker has made a statement that has shed some light on how the search came about, and it is right that he has decided that in future no search of MP's Parliamentary offices should take place without a warrant.

"The Committee he will set up to look into this matter must have the power to examine and question the actions of all involved, the Government, the House Authorities and the police.

"We need to know exactly why the police pursued this action and therefore whether they took appropriate action.

"No-one believes MPs should be above the law, but there are rightly very serious concerns about intrusive searches of an MP's communications with their constituents and others in carrying out their job, and it is vital that this Committee sets out a process by which these issues can be tackled."