Sir Christopher said it was the committee's task to design a new set of rules that would support MPs and restore what he called "shattered trust".

BBC: Inquiry into MPs' expenses begins

The pressure put on constituency Labour party delegates not to support the motion seeking to restore the link between pensions and earnings was similarly attacked.

BBC: Labour's activist left regroups

But the minister repeated the government's pledge to support Ireland in its bid to restore economic stability.

BBC: Ministers urged to rule out Ireland bailout