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    I am astonished at what I have read here. I am quite sure that if it was a Conservative Government and it was a Labour Shadow Minister you would all be outraged by this.

    Leaks from Government departments have been an essential weapon in the hands of the Opposition since time immemorial, it is a part of the fabric of opposition.

    In the 1930's, during his 'Wilderness Years', Winston Churchill 'conspired' with Civil Servants to obtain information from the MoD about how poorly we were prepared for war. Duncan Sandys, as well, and in his case there was an attempt for the law to intervene, only for him to be protected by Parliamentary Priviledge. Are you suggesting that these great public figures should have been treated the way Damian Green has?

    If so, then what about Gordon Brown? He regularly used leaked information to hold the Major Government to account. Sid mentions Clive Pontin, that was a very different matter as he was a 'leaking' Civil Servant and at no time was it suggested that those to whom he leaked information should be arrested.

    Policians from left to right, Tony Benn to David Davis, journalists from left to right, Jackie Ashley to Quentin Letts, are united in their opposition to this outrage. Labour MPs (who see themselves in an Opposition role soon) are joining Conservatives and Libdems in their indignation.

    This is not a scandal about any wrongdoing or sleeze. This is not a matter of sensitive documents of national security being exposed (as in Churchill's time). This is about the exposing of information that embarrassed the Government, that is all. It was about illegal immigrants being approved to work as security guards for instance. It was all about matters of national interest.

    In the past it is only in places such as Zimbabwe where opposition politicians get arrested in this way. That is the depths to which this wretched excuse for a Government has plunged this country. 20 Anti Terrorist police used to arrest him and raid his homes and offices. Police who must have much more important matters to deal with.

    This is a matter of grave Constitutional concern and considerable importance.

    Make no mistake this is very serious indeed. Brown is doing his 'McCavity' act again. Smith uses weasel words. The Speaker refuses to answer a simple and straight question.

    Heads will role, make no mistake. I suspect that we will see the Speaker sacked or forced to resign. Smith likewise may be forced out. Even Brown himself....

    One suggestion I read was that Mr Speaker should be forced out and 'hands laid' on Damian Green to drag him to the Speakers chair as a way for the House to show their support for him and to re-assert the supremacy of Parliament. We will see....

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