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4:41pm UK, Sunday November 30, 2008
Commons Leader Harriet Harman has called for a review of powers allowing police to search MPs' offices and homes following the Damian Green affair.


Ms Harman is 'very concerned' at the arrest of Mr Green


Ms Harman told Sky News she was "very concerned" at the arrest of the Tory immigration spokesman - and the way officers had raided his Parliamentary and constituency bases.
The Tory frontbencher was arrested for allegedly leaking information embarrassing to the Government including claims that 5,000 illegal immigrants were working as security guards and bouncers.
There were "very big constitutional principles" that needed to be safeguarded, Ms Harman added, including the rights of MPs to get on with their job without interference from the law.
And she said Speaker Michael Martin should look at how police are able to enter the Palace of Westminster once the investigation into Home Office leaks is concluded.
Mr Green was held and questioned for nine hours on Thursday "on suspicion of conspiring to commit misconduct in a public office and aiding and abetting, counselling or procuring misconduct in a public office".

Police raided Mr Green's office

His homes and offices, including in the House of Commons, were searched and his computer, phone and other communications equipment seized.
It followed the earlier arrest and then suspension of a junior official, believed to be 26-year-old Chris Galley.
The leaks are thought have included the disclosure that an illegal immigrant was employed as a cleaner in the House of Commons, and a letter to Mr Brown warning that the recession would spark a rise in crime.
Amid mounting anger from all sides at Westminster, Tory leader David Cameron accused the Prime Minister of hypocrisy for refusing to speak out against the action.
Gordon Brown said the decision to question Mr Green and search his home and offices was "a matter for the police" of which he had no prior knowledge.
Ms Harman added: "We have got to be sure that whilst MPs are not above the law, that actually they are able to get on with their job without unwarranted interference by the law.
"These are very, very big constitutional principles, we have to make sure they are protected."
Amid rumours that MPs might try to disrupt the state opening of Parliament on Wednesday, Ms Harman said she was in "no doubt" how deeply people felt.