WILLIAMS WELCOMES EXPENSES CLIMBDOWN

4.57.52pm GMT Wed 21st Jan 2009

Commenting on Gordon Brown's decision to scrap a vote to exempt MP's expenses from the Freedom of Information Act, minutes after Roger Williams had accused him of 'sticking two fingers up' at taxpayers, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Roger Williams MP said:

"I am pleased that Gordon Brown has bowed to the overwhelming pressure from MPs and the public to scrap this appalling vote.

"We will have to watch carefully in case the Government try and resurrect this in future, but it is heartening to know that if people do speak out it can force the Prime Minister to think twice.

"This is embarrassing for the Prime Minister, but that pales into insignificance compared to the damage that would have been done to public confidence if this vote had gone through.

"Originally it was only the Liberal Democrats who made it clear they were going to vote against this, and so first the Conservatives, and now the Government, have been forced to follow suit."