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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Politics
Mikey Smith

Minister agrees to Labour demand to publish papers in 'cash for favours' row

A Tory Minister has agreed to Labour's demand that he publish papers relating to a 'cash for favours' row.

Robert Jenrick insisted the row over his involvement in the Westferry Printworks planning decision was politically motivated.

But he agreed to release documents and correspondence relating to the decision in accordance with Freedom of Information rules.

He said he would release "all relevant information" relating to the planning decision later today.

It comes after Labour warned the row had "blown apart confidence in the planning system".

Shadow communities secretary Steve Reed told the Commons: "The only way to put that right is for the Secretary of State to publish the evidence about what really happened.

"If he's done nothing wrong then he's got nothing to fear.

"So I hope he will welcome this opportunity to restore trust in a sector that will be so critical in rebuilding Britain after the lockdown."

(PA)

Mr Jenrick told MPs: "I will write to the chair of the select committee outlining the timeline of events and the rationale for my decision-making pertaining to the Westferry Printworks planning decision.

"Alongside this letter, and after a comprehensive review of what documents might be in scope of this motion, and of the letter that he sent me on behalf of his select committee, I will be releasing later today all relevant information relating to this planning matter using the Freedom of Information Act as a benchmark."

He added: "I recognise that there are higher standards of transparency expected in the quasi-judicial planning process, which is why I will also release discussions and correspondence which the Government would not normally release.

"These documents show that contrary to the wild accusations and the baseless innuendo propagated by the honourable gentleman (Steve Reed) opposite, and restated today in a series of totally inaccurate statements and comments, this was a decision taken with an open mind on the merits of the case after a thorough decision-making process."

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