Speaking at 5.30 am this morning (Wednesday) in the House of Commons as part of an all-night debate on the Government Resources and Accounts Bill, Michael Fabricant condemned Labour for a cover-up on their performance on health and policing.

While adopting Treasury plans to bring in commercial accounting methodology for government departments, the Government refused to allow a clause proposed by the All-Party Public Accounts Committee which would require an audit of government targets against actual performance.

Michael Fabricant said: “This is a blatant cover-up and is a triumph allowing the government to continue with spin instead of providing openness and transparency. In Lichfield we have seen our County police force cut by 250 men and women, two local hospitals under threat, and our 600 year old Magistrates Court closed. This is happening across the land. If the independent Comptroller and Auditor General had powers to publish how government departments are actually performing, the Government might be sufficiently shamed into providing adequate funds to protect these vital services. The Government’s refusal to allow him to do so is a victory for hiding information and promoting the art of the spin doctors instead.”