The Sketch

Andrew Mackinlay, the Labour MP for Thurrock, explains why he challenged Tony Blair to let his own MPs speak their minds

LABOUR fear and loathing of the Government machine broke out yesterday after the whips went too far in the drive to control MPs.

THE choreography of the Commons, with Labour MPs tamely dancing to the tune of ministers and whips, was attacked by a brave government backbencher last night.

ANDREW MACKINLAY (Labour, Independent, Thurrock) should be canonised, knighted, awarded a Nobel Prize, given free tickets to every World Cup match and granted the freedom of the Palace of Westminster.

POLICE confirmed yesterday that a body found in the River Thames at Rainham, Essex, last Friday was that of a woman who disappeared last month.

MINISTRY of Defence officials are locked in battle with ministers over demands for pardons to be issued to more than 300 soldiers who were shot for desertion and cowardice in the First World War.

The time: Autumn 1993

DRUGS investigators believe they have broken a smuggling ring worth millions of pounds.

Having your own road may appeal, but it may also be a big headache, says Fiona Brandhorst.

POLICE believe the mother of a baby found abandoned at a riverside yacht club may have drowned after swimming in the unseasonally warm water.

Shopping isn't what it used to be. Instead of popping down the local high street to see the butcher, baker and candlestick maker, we simply do a one-stop shop at Tesco. The used car business would rather like it if we did the same. Pile 'em high and sell 'em cheap. James Ruppert finds out if theory matches reality.

Shoppers may not be flocking to the high street but results from Capital Shopping Centres (CSC) suggest they are heading for out-of-town shopping centres in droves.

Annie Bell will go to any lengths for a Swedish-style Sunday supper. Photograph by Patrice de Villiers