What's happened
Taxpayers have paid more than £34,000 in costs for a libel case after Science Secretary Michelle Donelan falsely accused an academic of supporting Hamas. The bill doubled after covering legal fees, sparking criticism from opposition MPs.
Why it matters
The revelation of taxpayers footing the bill for a Tory Minister's libel case highlights the misuse of public funds and raises questions about accountability in government. This incident underscores the importance of transparency and ethical conduct in public office, impacting public trust in political figures and the handling of legal matters.
What the papers say
The Mirror and BBC News report on the escalating costs of the libel case, with Shadow Science Secretary Peter Kyle criticizing the use of public money. The Telegraph covers a separate incident involving Hamas, providing a broader context to the political landscape.
How we got here
The case stemmed from false accusations made by Science Secretary Michelle Donelan against an academic, leading to a costly legal battle. The incident has reignited calls for ethical conduct and financial responsibility in government actions.
Common question
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