11.   The prospect of another delay prompted the shadow Scottish secretary, Tom Clarke, to write to Mr Lang expressing his disappointment at the postponement.

12.   It is this conflict that Mr Smith, and his shadow secretary for employment, Tony Blair, have been quick to recognise.

13.   The shadow social security secretary, Donald Dewar, said the NAO report was further evidence of chaos in the Department of Social Security.

14.   The shadow home secretary, Tony Blair, urged wide and open consultation of the proposals.

15.   Tom Clarke, the shadow Scottish secretary, urged him to intervene and to stop denying responsibility.

16.   The shadow home secretary, Tony Blair, claimed the plans were going down the road of centralised policing when the reverse was needed.

17.   Shadow health secretary David Blunkett welcomed the announcement of the terms of reference of the inquiry.

18.   The group would include Blair, deputy leader John Prescott, shadow chancellor Gordon Brown and Robin Cook, shadow foreign secretary.

19.   Shadow home secretary Sir Norman Fowler urged ministers to vote for stronger measures in the Crime and Disorder Bill, including banning troublemakers travelling abroad for matches.