Rochdale MP Paul Rowen yesterday led calls for a new honour to recognise dead and injured servicemen. Mr Rowen was leading for the Liberal Democrats on the issue that has united all three political parties in Westminster. Britain's Military bosses came under attack for refusing to award a new medal to our country's most courageous soldiers.
Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has commented on the astonishing scenes in Parliament where the Lib Dems walked out in support of their colleague, Foreign Affair's Spokesman Ed Davey MP. Mr Davey was ordered out amid chaotic scenes at the House of Commons. Almost a full slate of Lib Dem MPs including Mr Rowen then followed Mr Davey out of the chamber. This was in protest at the Deputy Speaker's refusal to debate the party proposal for an 'EU - in or out' referendum.
May I, first of all, thank Margaret Carney, Ruth Hunter and Paul Martin, and all the officers involved in producing these budget documents, and their assistance to us in producing our budget. I am sure that both the Labour and Conservative Groups feel that they have also received the same professional, impartial assistance.
A decision by the Speaker of the House of Commons to refuse to have a debate and vote on a Liberal Democrat amendment calling for a referendum on whether to be in or out of Europe has met with an angry response from Liberal Democrats in Epping Forest.
Private firms and voluntary groups are to be offered cash incentives to get unemployed people into work for longer. Work Secretary James Purnell said the plan, which will see more payments if someone is in work for six months, was intended to "personalise" services. It came as MPs said 40% of jobseekers allowance claimants who find a job are out of work again within six months.
An MP has expressed dismay over fears an Aberdeen factory which employs disabled workers could close.