The week in Westminster: May 12th-16th
Labour backbench MPs had a good week in Westminster, with Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling finally sending their party’s fortunes in the right direction.
Tuesday saw the chancellor wrap up the 10p income tax fiasco by announcing the Treasury’s plans to compensate those worse off as a result of the changes.
The atmosphere that evening was one of relief, with even perennial malcontent Charles Clarke keeping himself to himself at a post-election event held by Progress.
Then on Wednesday, straight after a strong prime minister’s questions from David Cameron, Mr Brown unveiled his ambitious legislative plans for the 2008/09 session.
In addition to a banking bill to finally put to bed the horrors of Northern Rock, health and education reforms combined with help on the housing front were announced as Mr Brown’s fightback began in earnest.
Other Westminster news
Monday 12th – MPs tackle embroyology bill. The controversial human fertilisation and embryology bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons.
Click here for full story
Friday 16th – MPs forced to reveal expenses. The high court has ruled against MP being able to keep details of their second home expenses out of the public domain.
Click here for full story
Friday 16th – 42-day rebels take on Brown. Labour rebels over Gordon Brown’s plans to increase pre-trial detention to 42 days have taken the fight to the prime minister after tabling a Commons amendment on the subject. The amendment was tabled by David Winnick, who led opposition to the original 90-day plan.
Click here for full story
