Menu
31/01/2006
Byers cleared of lying over Railtrack
Former Transport Secretary Stephen Byers has been cleared of lying to MPs prior to the collapse of Railtrack.
However, Mr Byers has been rebuked for failing to give accurate answers to the Commons Transport Committee and has been ordered to "apologise unreservedly" to the House of Commons.
The Commons Standards and Privileges Committee investigation centred on Mr Byers testimony to the Commons transport committee, following the collapse of Railtrack in 2001, which saw shareholders lose millions of pounds.
The North Tyneside MP was asked by Conservative MP Chris Grayling if he had considered the possibility of a change in status of Railtrack before a meeting in July 2001, when he met with the company's chairman. Mr Byers said that he had not.
However, lawyers acting for Railtrack shareholders during their unsuccessful High Court action last year produced an email dating from June 2001, which showed that Mr Byers was seeking "alternative owners and management" for the company. Mr Byers then admitted to misleading MPs, but said that he could not remember the motivations behind it.
Commenting today, Mr Byers said that he was pleased with the Committee's decision. He said: "This was an extremely serious allegation, which the committee has rejected in the clearest possible terms."
Mr Grayling, now the Shadow Transport Secretary, told Sky News: "I think he has little option but to simply say 'I'm sorry' and I hope he doesn't seek to do any more than that."
(KMcA)
However, Mr Byers has been rebuked for failing to give accurate answers to the Commons Transport Committee and has been ordered to "apologise unreservedly" to the House of Commons.
The Commons Standards and Privileges Committee investigation centred on Mr Byers testimony to the Commons transport committee, following the collapse of Railtrack in 2001, which saw shareholders lose millions of pounds.
The North Tyneside MP was asked by Conservative MP Chris Grayling if he had considered the possibility of a change in status of Railtrack before a meeting in July 2001, when he met with the company's chairman. Mr Byers said that he had not.
However, lawyers acting for Railtrack shareholders during their unsuccessful High Court action last year produced an email dating from June 2001, which showed that Mr Byers was seeking "alternative owners and management" for the company. Mr Byers then admitted to misleading MPs, but said that he could not remember the motivations behind it.
Commenting today, Mr Byers said that he was pleased with the Committee's decision. He said: "This was an extremely serious allegation, which the committee has rejected in the clearest possible terms."
Mr Grayling, now the Shadow Transport Secretary, told Sky News: "I think he has little option but to simply say 'I'm sorry' and I hope he doesn't seek to do any more than that."
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 April 2003
Role of 'spin doctors' under fire
The role of special advisers in government should be reduced according to a powerful Parliament watchdog.
Role of 'spin doctors' under fire
The role of special advisers in government should be reduced according to a powerful Parliament watchdog.
16 December 2011
Major Thameslink Rail Contract 'Disaster' - Union
A major UK workers union has described the awarding of new train contract to Siemens as "a disaster" and warning that it "skews the market".
Major Thameslink Rail Contract 'Disaster' - Union
A major UK workers union has described the awarding of new train contract to Siemens as "a disaster" and warning that it "skews the market".
29 July 2008
Passport Thefts Slammed
While officials are trying to play down the significance of the theft, the loss of 3,000 blank passports and visas worth in a robbery yesterday is expected to have serious security repercussions.
Passport Thefts Slammed
While officials are trying to play down the significance of the theft, the loss of 3,000 blank passports and visas worth in a robbery yesterday is expected to have serious security repercussions.
11 January 2006
Schools 'failing' one million pupils
Around a million pupils in England are receiving inadequate education, the National Audit Office (NAO) has reported. The NAO report said that 1,577 schools in England were performing poorly by July last year. However, the report also said that the number of failing schools had halved between 1998 and 2005.
Schools 'failing' one million pupils
Around a million pupils in England are receiving inadequate education, the National Audit Office (NAO) has reported. The NAO report said that 1,577 schools in England were performing poorly by July last year. However, the report also said that the number of failing schools had halved between 1998 and 2005.
23 March 2010
Four Labour Members Suspended
The Parliamentary Labour Party has suspended four of its members over alleged sleaze. Three of those who have temporarily been expelled are former senior cabinet ministers, another is a backbench MP. Labour said Stephen Byers, Patricia Hewitt and Geoff Hoon had brought the party into "disrepute".
Four Labour Members Suspended
The Parliamentary Labour Party has suspended four of its members over alleged sleaze. Three of those who have temporarily been expelled are former senior cabinet ministers, another is a backbench MP. Labour said Stephen Byers, Patricia Hewitt and Geoff Hoon had brought the party into "disrepute".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
