A group of MPs hit out at "outrageous" examples of public sector bodies using gagging orders to hush up their employees about dangerous problems. The Public Accounts Committee criticised special severance payments approved by the Treasury.
Public bodies "reward failure" so they can "avoid attracting unwelcome publicity" by making would-be whistleblowers and failing chief executives sign gagging orders, the head of a group of influential MPs said.
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chair Margaret Hodge said whistleblowers were "vital" if tragedies like Mid Staffordshire and Baby P were to be avoided.
The Democratic presidential candidate may also have shown his cards on his choice of running mate.
The US president also shared a post on Twitter accusing Dr Anthony Fauci of misleading the public over hydroxychloroquine.
Fears over an impending second wave of coronavirus dominates Wednesday’s front pages.