The proposed changes would have meant that MPs expenses would remain secret, and would stop the public, the media and other organisations from finding out information in the public interest.

Alex Feakes commented, "This proposal was a shameful attack on the principle of Freedom of Information, and I'm glad it has failed - MPs should not have special exemptions when it comes to Freedom of Information.

"By backing this Bill, put forward by the Conservatives, Jim Dowd has shown that his priorities are secrecy rather than openness, and protecting MPs interests rather than reform."

The Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake has put forward a proposal to extend the current Freedom of Information laws to remove the ministerial vetos over disclosure.

"This shows that the Lib Dems are the only party serious about shining the light of public scrutiny into the shadowy world of Westminster," Alex Feakes added.