Conservative MPs have voted down Jack Straw?s attempt to make referral fees in personal injury cases a criminal offence. The former justice secretary tabled an amendment to the ban, included as part of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, which was debated in the Commons on Tuesday. Despite an impassioned plea for cross-party support from MPs, Straw?s amendment was rejected by 302 votes to 208 as the government ensured the ban will be policed by regulators. read more