Galloway cleared of wrong-doing

Mr Galloway signed the motions before going onto the show

George Galloway has been cleared of any wrong-doing in signing motions put before the Commons during the time he has been on Celebrity Big Brother.

Speaker Michael Martin said it was "clear" the Respect MP had signed the motions before entering the Channel 4 TV show's house earlier this month.

Labour's Chris Bryant had asked if it was "entirely in order".

But Mr Martin told the Commons - to laughter - that he was "satisfied" Mr Galloway had acted correctly.

'Obscene' bonuses

He said: "It was clear to me that the motions were signed before the honourable member went out of contact."

Early Day Motions signed by Mr Galloway ranged from one congratulating Harold Pinter on being awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature to another attacking the "obscene level" of city bonuses.

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The MP for Bethnal Green and Bow has been criticised for being away from his constituency.

Last week, Labour London Assembly member John Biggs branded him a "laughing stock" for taking part in a Big Brother task which involved imitating a cat.

But Mr Galloway has said his decision to be a contestant is good for politics and will widen young people's interest in current affairs.