Blow open the lobby

A Lords Committee has come up with a sure-fire way to get people really p*ssed off with the Government.

They want to televise the daily lobby briefings, where favoured hacks supposedly get slipped exclusive stories and off-the-record tips.

Perhaps that was the case 15 years ago, but sitting through the meetings now is like trying to walk through a brick wall.

Downing Street spokesman Michael Ellam sits at the front speaking – in a voice you can hardly hear – but not answering any questions.

A hack has to use his initiative to get stories these days.

I say let them televise it – if there's one thing that gets on people's wick it’s hearing people dodge questions.