The Conservatives have continued to attack Margaret Hodge after it was revealed that publication of a consultation document on child protection had been postponed.

The prime minister's official spokesman said Tony Blair wanted to be associated personally with the document, but his diary was "very full" over the next few weeks.

Forum Response: Barnardo's

Dr Chris Hanvey, UK director of operations at Barnardo's, said: "The green paper came about partly in response to the death of Victoria Climbie, and we owe it to future generations of children to act as soon as we can to ensure that cases like Victoria's never happen again."The paper must be judged by its capacity to protect the lives of children. It must help to ensure not only that children do not die as a result of neglect or abuse, but that all children receive the support they need to grow and thrive."