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03/07/2009
Labour MPs Defend Martin Peerage 'Slur'
Sixteen Labour MPs have called on the Lords Appointment Commission to retract "disgraceful and spiteful" comments made regarding the proposed elevation of former Commons Speaker Michael Martin to the Upper Chamber.
The parliamentarians criticised Lord Jay's panel, who pointed out that nominees should "enhance rather than diminish" the House of Lords.
Mr Martin stepped down from the speaker's chair last month, a move prompted by the ongoing rumblings over MPs' expenses.
The MP will also resign from his Glasgow constituency. It is traditional for speakers to receive a life peerage on retirement.
A barony - granted by the Queen - entitles the new holder to sit in the House of Lords.
Labour backbenchers have been angered by comments made in the Guardian newspaper, by chair of the appointments panel, which scrutinizes the suitability of new lords.
MPs loyal to Mr Martin are said to be "dismayed" at the statement, describing it as a "disgraceful and spiteful slur".
They added that Mr Martin had "served this House so well as an elected member with great integrity, charm and good temper".
Downing Street has insisted any communication between the appointments body and itself is always kept private.
However, a spokesman for the Prime Minister said the decision to grant Mr Martin an honour was based on a recommendation from the House of Commons in an uncontested motion.
Several other peers have criticised the decision to honour Mr Martin.
Former Chancellor Lord Lawson told The Times a peerage for Mr Martin was a "mistake and unfortunate", while Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman Lord Oakeshott said: "Michael Martin should not be handed a P45 in an ermine envelope."
(PR/JM)
The parliamentarians criticised Lord Jay's panel, who pointed out that nominees should "enhance rather than diminish" the House of Lords.
Mr Martin stepped down from the speaker's chair last month, a move prompted by the ongoing rumblings over MPs' expenses.
The MP will also resign from his Glasgow constituency. It is traditional for speakers to receive a life peerage on retirement.
A barony - granted by the Queen - entitles the new holder to sit in the House of Lords.
Labour backbenchers have been angered by comments made in the Guardian newspaper, by chair of the appointments panel, which scrutinizes the suitability of new lords.
MPs loyal to Mr Martin are said to be "dismayed" at the statement, describing it as a "disgraceful and spiteful slur".
They added that Mr Martin had "served this House so well as an elected member with great integrity, charm and good temper".
Downing Street has insisted any communication between the appointments body and itself is always kept private.
However, a spokesman for the Prime Minister said the decision to grant Mr Martin an honour was based on a recommendation from the House of Commons in an uncontested motion.
Several other peers have criticised the decision to honour Mr Martin.
Former Chancellor Lord Lawson told The Times a peerage for Mr Martin was a "mistake and unfortunate", while Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman Lord Oakeshott said: "Michael Martin should not be handed a P45 in an ermine envelope."
(PR/JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
