In January 1975, Benn insisted his letter had not broken the Cabinet decision as he had merely explained the situation, rather than arguing a case, and had not broken the manifesto pledges on renegotiation.

BBC: NEWS | UK | UK Politics | How Wilson handled his Euro split

Meanwhile, 100 people have signed an open letter admitting that they have broken Northern Ireland law by taking illegally-procured abortion medication, or have helped others to procure it.

BBC: Sinn Fein bid to block abortion move

On Monday, it was revealed that 100 people had signed an open letter admitting that they have broken Northern Ireland law by taking illegally-procured abortion medication, or have helped others to procure it.

BBC: NI Assembly fails in bid to change abortion law

And both men's denial that rules had been broken merely draws attention to the difference between obeying the letter of the law and behaving ethically.

ECONOMIST: Expenses-gate

He said Mr Ayriss was "just plain wrong" and neither the letter or the spirit of the law had been broken.

BBC: You are in: UK Politics

Mr Keith-Lucas has told BBC Radio Cornwall that he had now sent a letter to the council saying that the terms of Mr Hygate's contract had been broken.

BBC: Isles of Scilly council chief in suspension legal threat