Men in tights...

Unions and some MPs struggled to persuade the Government to levy a one-off windfall tax on energy companies this morning.

Seeking to re-ignite enthusiasm for the cause one union delegate stood up and argued for the measure, calling it a "Robin Hood" tax - stealing from the rich to give to the poor.

As it seems the Government will be unmoved by the reference to Nottingham's most famous son, it doesn't look like the union delegates, or the fuel impoverished, will be merry men this winter.

Jospeh Watts
Parliamentary Correspondent