Rifkind and Straw say ‘Cash for Access’ rules not broken

Former Scottish Secretary and Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind and former Labour Home Secretary Jack Straw have denied wrongdoings after being caught by undercover journalists apparently offering services for cash.

Rifkind allegedly told reporters he was self-employed, while Straw apparently told reporters his services cost £5,000 a day.

This morning Straw, who has been suspended from the Labour party at his own request, told a BBC radio programme: "I am mortified by the fact that I fell into this trap... very skilful trap", while Rifkind told the same programme he “had nothing to be embarrassed about”. He has also been suspended from his party, the Conservatives.

Both politicians have referred themselves to the Parliamentary standards watchdog. Labour leader Ed Miliband has written to the Prime Minister David Cameron requesting MPs be barred from taking on second jobs.

The documentary, called Politicians for Hire, will be broadcast tonight at 20:00