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MPs to vote on Phillips inquiry MPs to decide on Phillips inquiry
(about 2 hours later)
MPs will vote later on whether the head of the UK equalities watchdog should be investigated over claims he tried to influence a parliamentary committee. MPs will decide later whether the head of the UK equalities watchdog should be investigated over claims he tried to influence a parliamentary committee.
MPs and peers had been looking into the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, after a spate of resignations.MPs and peers had been looking into the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, after a spate of resignations.
But they said Trevor Phillips, its chairman, spoke to some of them about a draft report, which they say could amount to a contempt of Parliament.But they said Trevor Phillips, its chairman, spoke to some of them about a draft report, which they say could amount to a contempt of Parliament.
Mr Phillips disagrees but has said he is happy to co-operate.Mr Phillips disagrees but has said he is happy to co-operate.
It is unusual for someone who is not a politician to be investigated over a possible contempt of Parliament - the last to be called to the House to be formally rebuked was Sunday Express editor John Junor in 1957.It is unusual for someone who is not a politician to be investigated over a possible contempt of Parliament - the last to be called to the House to be formally rebuked was Sunday Express editor John Junor in 1957.
'Clique' claims'Clique' claims
But in January MPs voted to allow another contempt inquiry by the Commons standards and privileges committee into a law firm at the request of Lib Dem MP John Hemming. But in January MPs backed another contempt inquiry by the Commons standards and privileges committee into a law firm at the request of Lib Dem MP John Hemming.
On Tuesday afternoon they will debate a motion put down by the chairman of the joint human rights committee, the Labour MP Andrew Dismore.On Tuesday afternoon they will debate a motion put down by the chairman of the joint human rights committee, the Labour MP Andrew Dismore.
Mr Dismore's committee had been investigating the work of the equalities watchdog, after several commissioners and the chief executive resigned.Mr Dismore's committee had been investigating the work of the equalities watchdog, after several commissioners and the chief executive resigned.
Mr Phillips appeared before them in December and defended himself against accusations he surrounded himself with a "clique" and other commissioners felt they could not speak.Mr Phillips appeared before them in December and defended himself against accusations he surrounded himself with a "clique" and other commissioners felt they could not speak.
He said he did not "recognise" that picture and most members of the board had no trouble disagreeing with him, or each other.He said he did not "recognise" that picture and most members of the board had no trouble disagreeing with him, or each other.
But in February the committee published a statement saying it had emerged that Mr Phillips had "recently spoken to at least three members" about consideration of its draft report and the publication of written evidence.But in February the committee published a statement saying it had emerged that Mr Phillips had "recently spoken to at least three members" about consideration of its draft report and the publication of written evidence.
"In our view these discussions could constitute a contempt of both Houses in that they may be an attempt to influence the views of certain members of the committee shortly before it considered a draft report directly relevant to Mr Phillips in his role as chair of the EHRC," it said."In our view these discussions could constitute a contempt of both Houses in that they may be an attempt to influence the views of certain members of the committee shortly before it considered a draft report directly relevant to Mr Phillips in his role as chair of the EHRC," it said.
On Monday Commons Speaker John Bercow granted time for a debate on Mr Dismore's motion - which will take place on Tuesday afternoon.On Monday Commons Speaker John Bercow granted time for a debate on Mr Dismore's motion - which will take place on Tuesday afternoon.
If MPs vote for an inquiry by the Commons standards and privileges committee. Mr Phillips could be called to answer questions. If MPs support an inquiry by the Commons standards and privileges committee. Mr Phillips could be called to answer questions.
Earlier this month the Equalities and Human Rights Commission said: "Neither Mr Phillips nor the commission is aware of any reason why any of his actions might amount to a contempt of the Houses of Parliament.Earlier this month the Equalities and Human Rights Commission said: "Neither Mr Phillips nor the commission is aware of any reason why any of his actions might amount to a contempt of the Houses of Parliament.
"Should the parliamentary authorities decide to take this matter further both Mr Phillips and the commission would be happy to cooperate fully.""Should the parliamentary authorities decide to take this matter further both Mr Phillips and the commission would be happy to cooperate fully."