Mr Jones, 62, said he always planned to step down in 2011 and it had been an "absolute privilege" to work for his constituency.

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So mentions like John Hemming's are protected by absolute privilege as far as MPs are concerned, under Article 9 of the Bill of Rights, and by the normal "qualified privilege" as far as journalists are concerned.

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"What is said in this House has got absolute privilege, the only control is the chair and that is exercised judiciously and always is and then what is said in this House can be reported so long as it is fair and truthful, " she said.

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"It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with Nigel Clough over the past 10 months, " he added.

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"It's been an absolute honour and a privilege to play with him and even more so to call him a mate, " said McGrath.

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Deliberative privilege is not a legal absolute.

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