Bosses 'not to blame for MG Rover'

The government has started proceedings against the former owners of MG Rover to prevent them holding company office again following the publication of an official report into the collapse of the car giant.

Five bosses, the so-called Phoenix Four, plus chief executive Kevin Howe, took about £42m in pay and pensions from the troubled Birmingham-based firm, it has emerged.

Phoenix Four spokesman Ramsey Smith, from Media House International PR, said what they were paid was not the cause of the company's collapse.