Byers denies sneaking out plans

Stephen Byers - accused yet again of attempting to sneak out bad news - today pinned the responsibility on his department.

Today the Transport Secretary, under fire after proposals for road tolls and congestion charging were published on the day of the Queen Mother's funeral, said: "No thought was given to the timing. No ministers were involved."

His opponents claim the denial is another example of Mr Byers's failure to get a grip on his department.