TV can cover sleaze case
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Commons Committee on Standards and Privileges last night agreed to hold televised public hearings into allegations that a Tory whip tried to exert improper influence on a "sleaze" inquiry.
The Commons quietly agreed last year to give the committee power to ban broadcasters from public hearings, for fear of creating a media "circus". One senior Tory told the committee last night that the cameras and microphones should be barred because colleagues' careers were at stake.
But a majority of the cross-party committee agreed it was more important to reassure the public that complaints were being dealt with openly and thoroughly. The current inquiry, into an allegation that David Willetts exerted improper influence on an investigation into claims that the Tory MP Neil Hamilton had received cash payments from Harrods owner Mohamed al-Fayed, is asking for written submissions before taking oral evidence in public.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments