Minister defends arrest of Tory MP

Cabinet office minister Tessa Jowell has denied claims that there had been any ministerial involvement that led to the arrest of shadow immigration minister Damian Green. Skip related content

During Commons question time today Jowell said both official reports into the arrest had reflected fairly the order of events that had led to police involvement, with a "series of links that had raised concerns to national security".

Andrew Turner (Con, Isle of Wight) asked what assessment had been made of the findings of the Sir Ian Johnston review into the Home Office leak inquiry.

The report concluded that the four key leaked documents contained material that was "hostile and embarrassing" to the government, but did not amount to a threat to national security.

It was found that the arrest of both shadow immigration minister Damian Green and the alleged Home Office mole, Christopher Galley, and the search of their respective premises, had been carried out on a legal basis.

Shadow Cabinet office minister Francis Maude said Johnston's report had made it absolutely clear that the leaks were only matters for "embarrassment" but did not make considerable damage to national security.

He asked whether there had been any political pressure on civil servants to shut down "embarrassing stories".

In response, the Cabinet office minister noted the "substantive point," which was that neither report drew the conclusion that the Cabinet office had overreacted.

Jowell added the important step is that the recommendations are implemented.

She said she will consult with the Cabinet secretary about the release of information.