Monday

A row broke out after the Speaker of the House of Commons, Michael Martin, sanctioned a police raid on the Commons office of Conservative MP Damian Green. Mr Green is accused of orchestrating the leaking of up to 20 Home Office documents. Mr Martin claimed he did not know that the police did not have a warrant. Harriet Harman, the Leader of the House, called for a review of the right of police to search Commons offices.

Tuesday

A report on the death of Baby P in Haringey, North London, recommended that social workers be subjected to annual spot checks. Ofsted, which inspects children’s social services, will conduct an annual – unannounced – visit from now on to every local authority in the country to try to improve services. Three senior council officials were sacked and two senior social workers were suspended and three banned from working with children after the inquiry, ordered by the Government.

The Olympic Games look set to become the “Austerity Games” after UK Sport announced a £79 million shortfall. Funds are now likely to be concentrated on those athletes training for sports in which Britain is most likely to win medals. It was also revealed that the Government was told that hosting the 2012 Olympics would bring no economic benefits.

Wednesday

The Queen’s Speech contained 14 new Bills. New initiatives announced include a ban on cigarette displays and vending machines; benefit cuts for those who do not seek work; raising the education leaving age to 18; giving teachers search powers; a greater role for councils in economic development; and a requirement for public bodies to do more to tackle discrimination.

Thursday

The number of teenagers receiving college grants has dropped by 100,000 in the past year. The means-tested education maintenance allowance of £30 a week is designed to encourage those from poor families to continue in education beyond the age of 16. Problems around the scheme’s administration are being blamed for the drop. Schools and higher education colleges say that they fear that teenagers will drop out if they do not receive the allowance.

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