I have written to the Guardian in similar terms, I have ciruclated it to al on my mailing list.

It is really offensive that the governemtn was preapred to lie so widely in support of its case, and disappointing if not more that Redesdale was misled.

It is sadly to be expected that the LGA nad the ACP should lie lie and lie again in thier last minute briefings - we can learn from this. If a lie, well timed, should serve our case better than the truth, so be it.

It is rahter worse that the government, by failing to allow any oportunity for the refutation of these falsehooods should knowingly permit legislation to be passed on the basis of misinformation - but that woudl seem to be sounding familiar by now.