'Bad news buried' claim Lib Dems

The focus on Mr Blunkett was intense as he resigned

The government has been accused by the Liberal Democrats of using David Blunkett's resignation as an opportunity to bury bad news.

A report criticising the way police handle calls from the public had been scheduled for publication on Thursday.

But it was released by the Home Office a few hours after the work and pensions secretary stepped down on Wednesday.

But the Home Office dismissed the claim as "nonsense" and said a decision to release it was taken earlier this week.

'Disgrace' allegation

Mr Blunkett quit after breaking the ministerial code of conduct over paid work he took while out of the Cabinet.

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Mark Oaten said: "It is a disgrace that the Government should choose the day on which the Work and Pensions Secretary has resigned to conceal these findings."

Any suggestion that the report was brought forward to coincide with other breaking news events in government is simply nonsense Home Office statement

Shadow home secretary David Davis described the timing as "very odd".

"It is little wonder that the level of trust in politicians has sunk to such an all-time low," he added.

The 160-page report was scheduled for publication at 1100 GMT on Thursday but came out at 1440 GMT on Wednesday under embargo for the morning newspapers.

Papers are likely to focus on the Blunkett affair and a Commons vote on the Terrorism Bill.

Decision 'earlier'

On 11 September 2001, when the World Trade Center was attacked, Labour spin doctor Jo Moore sent an e-mail suggesting it was a good day to "bury" bad news.

She resigned in February 2002.

Jo Moore apologised for saying 11 September was a day to 'bury' bad news

On Wednesday, Home Office spokeswoman said the decision to bring the publication forward was taken by the authors, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.

However, that has no individual press office and relies on the Home Office media team.

In a statement, the Home Office added the decision had been taken at the start of the week.

"Any suggestion that the report was brought forward to coincide with other breaking news events in government is simply nonsense.

"Neither the Home Secretary nor any Home Office minister or special adviser had any role whatsoever in the decision to publish the report today."