In the News, 11-14 February

Author: James Graham

The row over whether the Scottish Parliament has authority over an independence referendum continues to roll on, with the Herald reporting that seven constitutional experts are challenging the UK government's assertion that it has authority.  It is reported that "modest progress" was made in the talks between First Minister Alex Salmond and Scottish Secretary Michael Moore on Monday.

The Mail on Sunday published a major report highlighting the role public affairs company McKinsey has played in the government's current plans for reforming the NHS, following an investigation by pressure group Spinwatch.  Meanwhile, the three main opposition parties in Wales have challenged the Welsh government to publish details of its meetings with lobbyists following a report by the BBC's Dragon's Eye on Thursday.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt indicated on the BBC on Sunday that the government was minded to insist on a tougher system of independent press regulation, as five Sun journalists were arrested over the weekend as part of the ongoing investigation over the hacking scandal.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has initiated a new round of cross-party talks intended to break the deadlock over party funding, to be chaired by David Laws MP (see also Sunday Times - paywall).  Meanwhile, the Express has reported that MPs' expenses are again on the increase, although this appears to be mainly due to staff costs.