Smith: Long-time opponent of Welsh devolution

Nick Clarke talks to Llew Smith and Peter Bottomley, of the Parliamentary Standards and Privileges Committee on the World at One Dur 4'34"

Hague Presses PM on Devolution Row

Mr Hague wrote to Mr Blair, saying that backbencher Llew Smith's account of events was "completely inconsistent" with the denials the Prime Minister issued at yesterday's Commons question time.

"You have often spoken of the need for trust and integrity in public life and I am sure that you gave the House an account which you believed was accurate," wrote Mr Hague. "But if Llew Smith is telling the truth, someone must have lied to you."

Mr Hague said the matter had to be sorted out "I hope that you or the Welsh Secretary will make a statement in the House. Alternatively, the matter should be referred to the Committee on Standards and Privileges."

The Prime Minister has responded to Mr Hague's letter and says he still believes no threats were made to Mr Smith, the Prime Minister said, he considered, "the matter closed".

Llew Smith: Defends allegations

Smith explaining his position on Wednesday's edition of Newsnight

Mr Smith repeated has disrupted Labour's attempts to settle the matter repeating his allegations on the BBC's World at One programme. He said, "In all probability, I will be trying to seek a Standards and Privileges Committee investigation because what I am saying is the truth.

"I have got no reason to alter one dot or comma of what I said and people know what I am saying is the truth." Conservative Peter Bottomley, a former minister and a member of the committee said he hoped the row could be resolved before its first meeting next Tuesday.

He said if Mr Smith believed he was having "improper pressure" put on him or if people were doubting his word, he could take it up with the committee. But he added, "I am certain we would have discussion and give him and others the opportunity of having their say.

"Whether we can come to a conclusion or not I don't know but we can give informal advice ... but if they have the opportunity of sorting this out in the next couple of days, they would be well-advised to do so."

The row began on Tuesday, when Labour backbencher Mr Smith said that Welsh Secretary Ron Davies had threatened him with expulsion from the party if he opposed Labour's devolution plans and that an adviser of Mr Davies had told local councilors their relationship with the Welsh Office would be jeopardised unless he backed the plans.