Martha Kearney's week

By Martha Kearney Presenter, BBC Radio 4's World at One

Four of the UK's most powerful bankers apologised but some queried for what?

In the 18th Century there wasn't much tolerance for crooked bankers.

After the South Sea bubble a parliamentary inquiry suggested that the financiers involved be tied up in sacks with poisonous snakes and thrown into the Thames.

I am grateful to the Lib Dems' Vince Cable for that nugget.

He also told me that during the more recent Japanese depression, bankers had to appear on television and bow their heads in an act of contrition.

So perhaps the banking bosses who appeared before the Treasury select committee this week got off lightly.

Apologising for what?

They did apologise but after listening to the full session on Tuesday, I began to wonder what they were sorry for.

"They did give an apology but as the session went on, I think they were drawing back from that and saying, look, there were events beyond our control," John McFall, the committee chair, told me afterwards.

"If you ask my opinion, yes, they were advised to do that. Was there a hint of arrogance still there? Absolutely."

The former and current bosses of HBOS appeared before his committee this week. Friday's news that the troubled bank will face a far bigger losses than predicted in November - around

Bank chiefs 'should be qualified'

The former bank bosses apologised for their part in the crisis

The government is being urged to ensure that in future the chief executives of Britain's banks have a "recognised banking qualification".

The call has come in a Commons motion, tabled by the Labour MPs Gordon Prentice and Paul Flynn.

It follows the admission in a select committee hearing from former bosses of the RBS and HBOS that they did not have any banking qualifications.

Both banks were "bailed out" with

Make use of empty homes - Tories

Any proposed changes would be politically controversial

The Conservatives say thousands of empty properties across the UK could be used to house those "languishing" on waiting lists for affordable homes.

An estimated 4.5 million people are waiting for social housing, a figure the Tories say is "unacceptable" and likely to rise as the economy weakens.

Existing regulations on building design should be relaxed to allow unoccupied properties to be used, they argue.

The Tories said the move was one of many measures required on housing.

Housing shortage

Government figures show that the number of new social homes for rent coming on stream every year has halved since 1997, the Tories say.

The recession has forced developers to scale back affordable housing projects and the sharp growth in repossessions over the last year has made the lack of low-cost public housing even more critical, they add.

It would be extremely fast compared to getting planning permission for new homes Grant Shapps, Conservative housing spokesman

But the party says the government's attempts to fill the gap by buying up homes from developers have failed to have much impact.

To tackle this shortage, shadow housing minister Grant Shapps proposes making use of the large number of properties across the UK which he says are lying idle.

An estimated 943,000 properties are currently unoccupied, a situation which the Conservatives blame on failures in the planning system during the boom years which encouraged developers to build flats in city centres.

Although some of these properties are currently the subject of repossession orders or other legal disputes, thousands could be brought back to the market relatively easily and quickly.

To allow this, the Conservatives say existing rules governing the size of properties, their suitability for certain kinds of users and what facilities they offer should be temporarily eased.

The current requirement for properties to comply with codes on sustainability - in terms of the materials they use and the impact on the external environment - should also be suspended.

"Some of the rules and regulations in this area are needlessly restrictive," said Mr Shapps.

"Whether there is an extra large door or a shower downstairs are of limited importance."

More flexibility

Housing associations should think more flexibly about the tenancy arrangements they offer, Mr Shapps adds, to capitalise on the availability of the housing stock.

Local authorities should also be given more freedom to match people with suitable properties, not just awarding the first property available the person on top of the waiting list.

The Conservatives accept some of properties in question will require investment in order to make them habitable.

However, they say that the funding for this is available within existing government budgets for new social homes which is currently not being spent.

Mr Shapps said it was clear that this would not "eradicate" the waiting list for social housing but that it would be a start, adding that the sole focus on building new homes was a "mistake".

"It would be extremely fast compared to getting planning permission for new homes," he said of the proposal.

"We could realistically see people being housed within two or three months which would be fantastic."

Whitehall chiefs' perks revealed

Wimbledon proved a popular destination for mandarins

The hospitality enjoyed by top civil servants - including meals, trips to the opera, tennis and cricket matches - has been revealed for the first time.

The details, for 2007, show seven Whitehall chiefs, including civil service head Sir Gus O'Donnell, went free to the Wimbledon championships.

Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Jock Stirrup was among those attending.

Business department permanent secretary Sir Brian Bender declared 47 free meals during the period.

Sir Brian, due to retire next month, also went to Wimbledon and other events including the Derby, the Chelsea Flower Show, as well as being wined and dined by some of the UK's biggest companies.

Sir Gus attended the Chelsea Flower show as a guest of accountancy firm KPMG, Wimbledon courtesy of the All England Lawn Tennis Club and an England football match paid for by the FA.

'Life training'

The report shows that he donated

Civil service recruiting attacked

The government says it is using technology to improve recruitment

Civil service recruitment is too costly and too slow, the Whitehall spending watchdog has suggested.

A National Audit Office report said it typically took 16 weeks to recruit a new civil servant, with internal costs of between

Dutch MP refused entry to Britain

Wilders: "It's a very sad day for freedom of speech in the UK"

A Dutch MP who called the Koran a "fascist book" has been sent back to the Netherlands after attempting to defy a ban on entering the UK.

Freedom Party MP Geert Wilders had been invited to show his controversial film - which links the Islamic holy book to terrorism - in the UK's House of Lords.

But Mr Wilders, who faces trial in his own country for inciting hatred, has been denied entry by the Home Office.

He told the BBC it was a "very sad day" for UK democracy.

The Dutch ambassador was also at Heathrow to make clear his government's opposition to the ban on Mr Wilders entering the UK.

'Free speech'

Mr Wilders' film Fitna caused outrage across the Muslim world when it was posted on the internet last year.

After being questioned at Heathrow, the MP said he had been to the House of Lords two weeks ago and there had been "no problem".

He added: "I'm not doing anything wrong. I'm not protesting or running through the streets of London."

FROM THE BBC WORLD SERVICE More from BBC World Service Views on the ban

Mr Wilders added: "Democracy means differences and debate. It's a very sad day when the UK bans an elected parliamentarian... Of course I will come back."

He said the government's actions had proved that Gordon Brown was the "biggest coward in Europe".

Mr Brown's spokesman said the prime minister "fully supports the decision" taken by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

Mr Wilders was invited to the House of Lords for a screening of Fitna by the UK Independence Party's Lord Pearson.

The peer said it was a "matter of free speech", telling the BBC: "We are going to show it anyway because we think MPs and peers should see this film."

'No purpose'

He added: "The film isn't offensive unless you are a violent Islamist. Most of my Muslim friends think it's a very good film."

Fitna's opening scenes show a copy of the Koran followed by footage of the 9/11 attacks in the US and the bombings in Madrid in 2004 and London in 2005.

The Lords screening went ahead as planned, despite Mr Wilder's non-attendance.

RECENT CASES Jamaican reggae singer Bounty Killer (real name Rodney Pryce) allowed entry despite using controversial lyrics about homosexuals and gang culture Muslim cleric Dr Yusuf al-Qaradawi refused entry in order to protect community cohesion. He has described suicide bombers as "martyrs" and homosexuality as "a disease" Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan barred on the grounds that his allegedly racist and anti-Semitic views could threaten public order Martha Stewart and US rapper Snoop Dogg denied entry because of criminal convictions Who is barred from Britain? Profile: Geert Wilders

BBC political correspondent Iain Watson said about 30 people had been at the screening and had given a round of applause, while calling for a debate on the issues raised.

The Dutch prime minister has said the film serves "no purpose other than to offend".

Foreign Secretary David Miliband told the BBC's Hardtalk: "The home secretary made a decision on an individual case as she is required to do."

He added that the film contained "extreme anti-Muslim hate and we have very clear laws in this country".

Mr Miliband also said: "We have profound commitment to freedom of speech but there is no freedom to cry 'fire' in a crowded theatre and there is no freedom to stir up hate, religious and racial hatred, according to the laws of the land."

The Home Office said there was a blanket ban on Mr Wilders entering the UK under EU laws enabling member states to exclude someone whose presence could threaten public security.

'No respect'

"The government opposes extremism in all forms," it said in a statement, adding that it had tightened up rules on excluding those engaging in "unacceptable behaviour" in October.

The home secretary has the power to stop people entering the UK if she believes there is a threat to national security, public order or the safety of UK citizens, but she cannot exclude people simply because of their views.

Earlier this year, a Dutch court ordered prosecutors to put the MP on trial for inciting hatred and discrimination by making anti-Islamic statements.

FROM BBC RADIO 5 LIVE More from BBC Radio 5 live

Labour peer Lord Ahmed, who expressed his concerns to the parliamentary authorities about Mr Wilders' visit, told the BBC: "This man doesn't have any respect for law. He's doing this for publicity and he's seeking that and getting that."

He added: "If this man was allowed into this country it would certainly cause problems within communities around Britain."

The Muslim Council of Britain said Mr Wilders was "an open and relentless preacher of hate".

Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne said: "Freedom of speech is our most precious freedom of all, because all the other freedoms depend on it.

"But there is a line to be drawn even with freedom of speech, and that is where it is likely to incite violence or hatred against someone or some group."

Banned Dutch MP to be sent home

Geert Wilders arrives at Heathrow Airport

A Dutch MP who called the Koran a "fascist book" is to be sent back to the Netherlands after attempting to defy a ban on entering the UK.

Freedom Party MP Geert Wilders was invited to show his controversial film - which links the Islamic holy book to terrorism - in the UK's House of Lords.

But Mr Wilders, who faces trial in his own country for inciting hatred, has been denied entry by the Home Office.

He told the BBC it was a "very sad day" for UK democracy.

The Dutch ambassador was also at Heathrow to make clear his government's opposition to the ban on Mr Wilders entering the UK.

'Free speech'

Mr Wilders' film Fitna caused outrage across the Muslim world when it was posted on the internet last year.

After being questioned at Heathrow, the MP said he had been to the House of Lords two weeks ago and there had been "no problem".

He added: "I'm not doing anything wrong. I'm not protesting or running through the streets of London."

Mr Wilders added: "Democracy means differences and debate. It's a very sad day when the UK bans an elected parliamentarian... Of course I will come back."

He was invited to the House of Lords for a screening of Fitna by the UK Independence Party's Lord Pearson.

The peer said it was a "matter of free speech", telling the BBC: "We are going to show it anyway because we think MPs and peers should see this film."

FROM THE BBC WORLD SERVICE More from BBC World Service Views on the ban

He added: "The film isn't offensive unless you are a violent Islamist. Most of my Muslim friends think it's a very good film."

Fitna's opening scenes show a copy of the Koran followed by footage of the 9/11 attacks in the US and the bombings in Madrid in 2004 and London in 2005.

The Dutch prime minister has said the film serves "no purpose other than to offend".

Foreign Secretary David Miliband told the BBC's Hardtalk: "The home secretary made a decision on an individual case as she is required to do."

He added that the film contained "extreme anti-Muslim hate and we have very clear laws in this country".

Mr Miliband also said: "We have profound commitment to freedom of speech but there is no freedom to cry 'fire' in a crowded theatre and there is no freedom to stir up hate, religious and racial hatred, according to the laws of the land."

The Home Office said there was a blanket ban on Mr Wilders entering the UK under EU laws enabling member states to exclude someone whose presence could threaten public security.

"The government opposes extremism in all forms," it said in a statement, adding that it had tightened up rules on excluding those engaging in "unacceptable behaviour" in October.

RECENT CASES Jamaican reggae singer Bounty Killer (real name Rodney Pryce) allowed entry despite using controversial lyrics about homosexuals and gang culture Muslim cleric Dr Yusuf al-Qaradawi refused entry in order to protect community cohesion. He has described suicide bombers as "martyrs" and homosexuality as "a disease" Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan barred on the grounds that his allegedly racist and anti-Semitic views could threaten public order Martha Stewart and US rapper Snoop Dogg denied entry because of criminal convictions Who is barred from Britain? Profile: Geert Wilders

The home secretary has the power to stop people entering the UK if she believes there is a threat to national security, public order or the safety of UK citizens, but she cannot exclude people simply because of their views.

Mr Wilders described the decision as "cowardly", saying: "It's incredible that an elected politician who was invited by one of your parliamentarians to a discussion with people who are against me, or in favour of me [was banned from the UK]."

Earlier this year, a Dutch court ordered prosecutors to put the MP on trial for inciting hatred and discrimination by making anti-Islamic statements.

Labour peer Lord Ahmed, who expressed his concerns to the parliamentary authorities about Mr Wilders' visit, told the BBC: "This man doesn't have any respect for law. He's doing this for publicity and he's seeking that and getting that."

He added: "If this man was allowed into this country it would certainly cause problems within communities around Britain."

FROM BBC RADIO 5 LIVE More from BBC Radio 5 live

The Muslim Council of Britain said Mr Wilders was "an open and relentless preacher of hate".

Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne said: "Freedom of speech is our most precious freedom of all, because all the other freedoms depend on it.

"But there is a line to be drawn even with freedom of speech, and that is where it is likely to incite violence or hatred against someone or some group."

Banned Dutch MP held at Heathrow

Mr Wilders took a flight from Amdsterdam to Heathrow

A Dutch MP who called the Koran a "fascist book" is being questioned by immigration officials at Heathrow after defying a ban on entering the UK.

Freedom Party MP Geert Wilders was invited to show his controversial film - which links the Islamic holy book to terrorism - in the UK's House of Lords.

But Mr Wilders, who faces trial in his own country for inciting hatred, has been denied entry by the Home Office.

It is possible the MP could be sent straight back to the Netherlands.

The Dutch Ambassador is also at Heathrow to make clear Dutch government's opposition to the ban on Mr Wilders entering the UK.

Before boarding his plane, Mr Wilders told reporters at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam he wanted to see a "stronger response" from the Dutch government to the UK's move.

FROM THE BBC WORLD SERVICE More from BBC World Service Views on the ban

The MP was invited to the House of Lords by the UK Independence Party's Lord Pearson.

The peer said he disagreed with Mr Wilders' call to ban the Koran, but accused the Home Office of "appeasing violent Islam".

"We're coming to this from the angle of freedom of speech," he said. "This man must be allowed to say what he wants, he must answer questions and then everyone can make up their minds.

"I think this man is raising one of the most important issues of our time. I think it should be discussed more, particularly by the vast majority of the mild Muslim community. They should talk about what the Koran really means.

"These people are using verses in one of the great religious tracts in history to blow up innocent people. That's what we want to talk about... whether these acts of violence can be rooted in the Koran."

'Offensive'

Mr Wilders' film Fitna caused outrage across the Muslim world when it was posted on the internet last year.

Its opening scenes show a copy of the Koran followed by footage of the 9/11 attacks in the US and the bombings in Madrid in 2004 and London in 2005.

The Dutch prime minister has said the film serves "no purpose other than to offend".

The Home Office said there was a blanket ban on Mr Wilders entering the UK under EU laws enabling member states to exclude someone whose presence could threaten public security.

"The government opposes extremism in all forms," it said in a statement, adding that it had tightened up rules on excluding those engaging in "unacceptable behaviour" in October.

"It will stop those who want to spread extremism, hatred, and violent messages in our communities from coming to our country."

RECENT CASES Jamaican reggae singer Bounty Killer (real name Rodney Pryce) allowed entry despite using controversial lyrics about homosexuals and gang culture Muslim cleric Dr Yusuf al-Qaradawi refused entry in order to protect community cohesion. He has described suicide bombers as "martyrs" and homosexuality as "a disease" Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan barred on the grounds that his allegedly racist and anti-Semitic views could threaten public order Martha Stewart and US rapper Snoop Dogg denied entry because of criminal convictions Who is barred from Britain? Profile: Geert Wilders

The home secretary has the power to stop people entering the UK if she believes there is a threat to national security, public order or the safety of UK citizens, but she cannot exclude people simply because of their views.

Mr Wilders described the decision as "cowardly" and told the BBC: "It's incredible that an elected politician who was invited by one of your parliamentarians to a discussion with people who are against me, or in favour of me [was banned from the UK]."

The Dutch government is reported to be trying to overturn the ban and Lord Pearson said the screening would still go ahead on Thursday - with extra security - whether Mr Wilders was present or not.

The peer also called for a major Muslim conference to discuss the Koran and its meaning.

Earlier this year, a Dutch court ordered prosecutors to put Mr Wilders on trial for inciting hatred and discrimination by making anti-Islamic statements.

Labour peer Lord Ahmed, who expressed his concerns to the parliamentary authorities about Mr Wilders' visit, told the BBC: "This man doesn't have any respect for law. He's doing this for publicity and he's seeking that and getting that."

He added: "If this man was allowed into this country it would certainly cause problems within communities around Britain."

FROM BBC RADIO 5 LIVE More from BBC Radio 5 live

The Muslim Council of Britain said Mr Wilders was "an open and relentless preacher of hate".

"We have no problem with the challenge of criticisms to our faith, but the film... is nothing less than a cheap and tacky attempt to whip up hysteria against Muslims," it said.

Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne said he had watched the film, which he called "revolting", and backed the ban.

"Freedom of speech is our most precious freedom of all, because all the other freedoms depend on it," he said.

"But there is a line to be drawn even with freedom of speech, and that is where it is likely to incite violence or hatred against someone or some group."

Cameron queries Smith homes claim

Mr Cameron said Ms Smith's claims did not seem reasonable

Conservative leader David Cameron has said Home Secretary Jacqui Smith's claims over her second home expenses are "a little hard to believe".

Ms Smith has claimed

Banned Dutch MP lands at Heathrow

Mr Wilders has threatened to defy the ban on him

A Dutch MP who called the Koran a "fascist book" has arrived at Heathrow Airport despite being banned from the UK on public security grounds.

Freedom Party MP Geert Wilders was invited to show his controversial film - which links the Islamic holy book to terrorism - in the UK's House of Lords.

But Mr Wilders, who faces trial in his own country for inciting hatred, has been denied entry by the Home Office.

It is possible the MP could be sent straight back to the Netherlands.

Before leaving for the UK, Mr Wilders told reporters at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam that he wanted to see a "stronger response" from the Dutch government to the UK's move.

FROM THE BBC WORLD SERVICE More from BBC World Service Views on the ban

The MP was invited to the House of Lords by the UK Independence Party's Lord Pearson.

The peer said he disagreed with Mr Wilders' call to ban the Koran, but accused the Home Office of "appeasing violent Islam".

"We're coming to this from the angle of freedom of speech," he said. "This man must be allowed to say what he wants, he must answer questions and then everyone can make up their minds.

"I think this man is raising one of the most important issues of our time. I think it should be discussed more, particularly by the vast majority of the mild Muslim community. They should talk about what the Koran really means.

"These people are using verses in one of the great religious tracts in history to blow up innocent people. That's what we want to talk about... whether these acts of violence can be rooted in the Koran."

'Offensive'

Mr Wilders' film Fitna caused outrage across the Muslim world when it was posted on the internet last year.

Its opening scenes show a copy of the Koran followed by footage of the 9/11 attacks in the US and the bombings in Madrid in 2004 and London in 2005.

The Dutch prime minister has said the film serves "no purpose other than to offend".

The Home Office said there was a blanket ban on Mr Wilders entering the UK under EU laws enabling member states to exclude someone whose presence could threaten public security.

"The government opposes extremism in all forms," it said in a statement, adding that it had tightened up rules on excluding those engaging in "unacceptable behaviour" in October.

"It will stop those who want to spread extremism, hatred, and violent messages in our communities from coming to our country."

RECENT CASES Jamaican reggae singer Bounty Killer (real name Rodney Pryce) allowed entry despite using controversial lyrics about homosexuals and gang culture Muslim cleric Dr Yusuf al-Qaradawi refused entry in order to protect community cohesion. He has described suicide bombers as "martyrs" and homosexuality as "a disease" Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan barred on the grounds that his allegedly racist and anti-Semitic views could threaten public order Martha Stewart and US rapper Snoop Dogg denied entry because of criminal convictions Who is barred from Britain? Profile: Geert Wilders

The home secretary has the power to stop people entering the UK if she believes there is a threat to national security, public order or the safety of UK citizens, but she cannot exclude people simply because of their views.

Mr Wilders described the decision as "cowardly" and told the BBC: "It's incredible that an elected politician who was invited by one of your parliamentarians to a discussion with people who are against me, or in favour of me [was banned from the UK]."

The Dutch government is reported to be trying to overturn the ban and Lord Pearson said the screening would still go ahead on Thursday - with extra security - whether Mr Wilders was present or not.

The peer also called for a major Muslim conference to discuss the Koran and its meaning.

Earlier this year, a Dutch court ordered prosecutors to put Mr Wilders on trial for inciting hatred and discrimination by making anti-Islamic statements.

Labour peer Lord Ahmed, who expressed his concerns to the parliamentary authorities about Mr Wilders' visit, said he welcomed the decision to ban the MP.

'Relentless'

"It would be unwise to have him in the UK because this man's presence would cause hatred," he said.

Lord Ahmed, who said other Muslim peers shared his concerns, stressed that Mr Wilders' views would certainly present a threat to public order.

FROM BBC RADIO 5 LIVE More from BBC Radio 5 live

The Muslim Council of Britain said Mr Wilders was "an open and relentless preacher of hate".

"We have no problem with the challenge of criticisms to our faith, but the film... is nothing less than a cheap and tacky attempt to whip up hysteria against Muslims," it said.

Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne said he had watched the film, which he called "revolting", and backed the ban.

"Freedom of speech is our most precious freedom of all, because all the other freedoms depend on it," he said.

"But there is a line to be drawn even with freedom of speech, and that is where it is likely to incite violence or hatred against someone or some group."

Banned Dutch MP on flight to UK

Mr Wilders has threatened to defy the ban on him

A Dutch MP who called the Koran a "fascist book" has boarded a flight to the UK despite being banned on public security grounds.

Freedom Party MP Geert Wilders was invited to show his controversial film - which links the Islamic holy book to terrorism - in the UK's House of Lords.

But Mr Wilders, who faces trial in his own country for inciting hatred, has been denied entry by the Home Office.

UKIP peer Lord Pearson invited him to show the film.

Apology call after tax decision

Iain Gray ripped up the manifesto after the local tax decision

Alex Salmond has come under opposition pressure to say sorry for dropping plans to replace council tax with a 3p local income tax.

Scots Labour leader Iain Gray, who tore up a copy of the SNP manifesto during question time at Holyrood, said Mr Salmond had been short-selling voters.

Ministers said legislation to bring in local income tax would not be put before the current parliament.

Mr Salmond said there was not enough Holyrood support to pass the plan.

He also told MSPs that increased UK government efficiencies, at a cost of

Johnson 'F-word tirade' at MP Vaz

The phone conversation followed Mr Johnson's session with the committee

London Mayor Boris Johnson is alleged to have launched a verbal tirade at Keith Vaz, the Labour chair of the Commons Home Affairs committee.

The two clashed in a phone conversation after Mr Johnson gave evidence to the committee about a Tory MP's arrest.

The Evening Standard says committee members were told by Mr Vaz that "the mayor used the F-word ten times".

Mr Johnson's aides deny that he swore so many times, instead saying that he "once or twice used strong language".

In a statement in response to the newspaper report, a spokeswoman for the London mayor said the two had held a private conversation after "Mr Vaz and a committee colleague appeared on BBC television accusing the mayor of being uncooperative and confused".

"The mayor made his points forcefully and once or twice used strong language, because he believes he has been cooperative and courteous on all the issues of concern to the committee and sought to answer every further question that has been put to him," she added.

"Despite this, Mr Vaz has repeatedly suggested otherwise."

'Levels of respect'

The conversation took place last week after Mr Johnson gave evidence to the committee about his conversations with Conservative leader David Cameron about the arrest of Tory MP Damian Green.

Details of the conversation have been revealed the day after Labour MP Mr Vaz wrote to the Conservative mayor saying his committee had "deep concerns" about the evidence it had been given.

Mr Vaz said in his letter that his committee was also concerned about the "level of respect and courtesy shown".

He accused Mr Johnson of giving four different accounts of events ahead of Tory MP Damian Green's arrest.

Mr Johnson wrote back to Mr Vaz later on Tuesday to provide more details and said he had fully co-operated with the committee and regretted suggestions to the contrary.

Johnson 'F-word tirade' at MP Vaz

The phone conversation followed Mr Johnson's session with the committee

London Mayor Boris Johnson is alleged to have launched a verbal tirade at Keith Vaz, the Labour chair of the Commons Home Affairs committee.

The two clashed in a phone conversation after Mr Johnson gave evidence to the committee about a Tory MP's arrest.

The Evening Standard says committee members were told by Mr Vaz that "the mayor used the F-word ten times".

Mr Johnson's aides deny that he swore so many times, instead saying that he "once or twice used strong language".

In a statement in response to the newspaper report, a spokeswoman for the London mayor said the two had held a private conversation after "Mr Vaz and a committee colleague appeared on BBC television accusing the mayor of being uncooperative and confused".

"The mayor made his points forcefully and once or twice used strong language, because he believes he has been cooperative and courteous on all the issues of concern to the committee and sought to answer every further question that has been put to him," she added.

"Despite this, Mr Vaz has repeatedly suggested otherwise."

'Levels of respect'

The conversation took place last week after Mr Johnson gave evidence to the committee about his conversations with Conservative leader David Cameron about the arrest of Tory MP Damian Green.

Details of the conversation have been revealed the day after Labour MP Mr Vaz wrote to the Conservative mayor saying his committee had "deep concerns" about the evidence it had been given.

Mr Vaz said in his letter that his committee was also concerned about the "level of respect and courtesy shown".

He accused Mr Johnson of giving four different accounts of events ahead of Tory MP Damian Green's arrest.

Mr Johnson wrote back to Mr Vaz later on Tuesday to provide more details and said he had fully co-operated with the committee and regretted suggestions to the contrary.

Skill investment 'key to future'

Higher education is vital to improving the skills base, says the committee

A report by MPs on the impact of global markets on Wales says more needs to be done to improve skills.

The Welsh affairs committee highlights what it describes as "existing skills gaps", particularly in science.

The MPs say both the UK and assembly governments need to work with the higher education sector on the issue.

The committee chairman, Aberavon MP Hywel Francis, said improving skills must be a priority for long-term growth and prosperity in Wales.

"The economic climate has changed significantly since the committee began this inquiry into globalisation over two years ago," said Dr Francis.

We also need a radical overhaul of state funding for skills training Cheryl Gillan MP, shadow Welsh secretary

"We are convinced, from the evidence we heard, that a strong skills base is the key to maintaining levels of employment in Wales and addressing the challenges of globalisation.

"Re-skilling and up-skilling the Welsh workforce must be a priority in order to secure long-term growth for the economy and prosperity for the people of Wales."

Steel jobs

The report is the second from the committee since it started its inquiry two years ago into how global market conditions and trends affect the economy of Wales.

It notes that one recent example was the announcement that steelmaker Corus is to shed 1,100 jobs in Wales, due to a worldwide slump in demand.

The cross-party committee highlights farming and food production as helping Wales develop a global reputation for excellence.

The report argues that Welsh companies can build on that to offer "premium goods and services that cannot be sourced abroad".

Cheryl Gillan, the Conservatives' shadow Welsh secretary, backed the committee's recommendations, adding: "This report's findings chime with what we have long argued - that the Westminster and assembly governments need to invest in skills as a cornerstone of economic recovery.

"We also need a radical overhaul of state funding for skills training to ensure more money reaches the frontline where it is needed most."

Senior MPs ready to grill Brown

Gordon Brown will be questioned over the recession

Gordon Brown is set for a grilling on the economy when he takes part in his twice-yearly question-and-answer session with senior MPs.

The Commons liaison committee is due to ask the prime minister about issues involving the failures of the banking sector and their wider impact.

The panel is also expected to focus on foreign affairs.

The themes are selected in advance, although Mr Brown is not given prior notification of the questions.

'Deep recession'

The session usually lasts for up to two-and-a-half hours. The MPs' panel is made up of the chairmen of Commons select committees.

The main area of questioning on Thursday will be the UK recession.

MPs will ask the prime minister about its consequences for the private and public sectors, as well as its impact internationally.

Bank of England governor Mervyn King said on Wednesday that the UK was in "deep recession".

It was also revealed that UK unemployment had risen to 1.97 million between October and December, the highest level since 1997.

Thursday's liaison committee session will be the third time Mr Brown - who came to power in June 2007 - has faced the MPs' questions.

The session is due to begin at 1000 GMT.

Chancellor Alistair Darling is to face Treasury questions in the House of Commons chamber.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg will deliver a speech calling for a return to "traditional, narrow high street banks".

He will add: "Institutions that consumers and small businesses depend on for savings and loans should not be put at risk by the casino culture of investment banking."

Brown under pressure over Crosby

Sir James Crosby is no longer advising the government

Gordon Brown is under pressure over his links with former HBOS chief Sir James Crosby, who quit earlier as deputy head of the Financial Services Authority.

The prime minister told MPs Sir James was "right" to quit as he was facing "serious but contested allegations" relating to his time as head of HBOS.

He also said Sir James was no longer an economic adviser to the government.

But the Tories say the PM still has "serious questions to answer" about his past relations with him.

They claim Mr Brown made a "serious error of judgement" in employing Sir James, who made the surprise announcement he was quitting half an hour before prime minister's questions - prompting speculation he was pushed into it.

Shadow chancellor George Osborne told BBC News: "Gordon Brown now has some very serious questions to answer.

"He stood by James Crosby. He appointed him to be a senior regulator. He gave him a Knighthood. Now he appears to have engineered his resignation just half an hour before he came before the House of Commons to face David Cameron at prime minister's questions.

"Gordon Brown has a lot to answer for."

'Serious allegations'

Sir James faces allegations that he ignored warnings from within HBOS - of which he was chief executive until 2006 - that the bank's lending policies were too risky.

A former HBOS employee, Paul Moore, said he had been dismissed by Sir James for alerting the bank to the fact it was expanding too fast, an allegation denied by the bank.

Sir James Crosby has had the decency to resign. Why can't the prime minister have the decency to admit he got something wrong David Cameron

Reacting to his surprise decision to resign as vice-chairman of the FSA, Mr Brown said the move was the "right" one.

Sir James had said there was "no substance" to the allegations but said it was the "right course of action" for him to step aside, added the prime minister.

"In relation to Sir James, these are allegations that he will wish to defend. So it is right that he has stepped down."

Mr Brown said an independent investigation into the whistleblower's allegations by accountants KPMG had found them to be unsubstantiated.

But he suggested it would be appropriate for the Treasury select committee to look at the issue again.

'Error of judgment'

"It is right we investigate serious allegations made about the banking system," he said.

"It is important that the FSA is operating to the best standards possible."

Mr Cameron said Mr Brown had "singled out" Sir James to advise him on key economic issues such as bank regulation, a decision he called a "serious error of judgment".

He told MPs: "Taxpayers have poured billions into this bank and not only was Sir James appointed as one of the top regulators in the country, you have been relying on him for economic advice.

"Sir James Crosby has had the decency to resign. Why can't the prime minister have the decency to admit he got something wrong?"

'Wrong experience'

Sir James wrote two reports for the government, on kick starting the mortgage market and boosting public confidence in the government's controversial ID card scheme.

Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman Vince Cable said: "It is clear from Paul Moore's evidence that James Crosby was part of the problem, not part of the solution. The FSA needs people with experience, but not the wrong experience.

"It is extraordinary that Gordon Brown ever made such an utterly inappropriate appointment."

He added: "The fact that Sir James has fallen on his sword is beside the point. He should never have been appointed to such an important role in the first place."

In his resignation letter to the FSA, Sir James said the allegations made by Mr Moore had been "independently and extensively investigated on behalf of the [HBOS] board, the results of which they shared with the FSA".

'Admiration'

He added: "That investigation concluded that Mr Moore's allegations had no merit."

Sir James went on: "I am full of admiration for my colleagues at the FSA and the work they are doing under extreme pressure.

"As a non-executive director I have an absolute responsibility to ensure that I do not make their task any more difficult.

"Therefore, whilst I am totally confident that there is no substance to any of the allegations, I nonetheless feel that the right course of action for the FSA is for me to resign from the FSA Board, which I do with immediate effect."

During prime minister's questions, Mr Brown also came under fire about the appointment of Glen Moreno as chairman of UK Financial Investments Ltd - the company set up by the Treasury to manage the state's investments at arms's length from ministers.

Until last April, he was a trustee of a Liechtenstein-based fund at the centre of a row over tax evasion.

Mr Brown said Mr Moreno was serving as "acting" chairman.