The transport committee has re-opened its inquiry into cost of motor insurance and has called on former justice minister Jack Straw to give oral evidence.

Committee chair Louise Ellman, a Labour/Co-operative MP, said Straw’s recently published report on the rising cost of premiums would make a ‘powerful contribution’ to the debate.

Straw’s report was highly critical of insurers taking referral fees from personal injury solicitors, and called for a ban on such payments.

It also addressed the increase in the number of personal injury claims resulting from motor accidents and the role of claims management companies.

Ellman said: ‘Motorists continue to suffer as premiums increase and there is mounting evidence that the insurance industry itself is part of the problem.

‘Jack Straw’s research is a powerful contribution to the debate and as well as hearing what he has to say I will want to hold the insurance industry and the government to account.'

The meeting will take place in the autumn, with a date still to be announced, and other witnesses will be called.