12 on the fourth defence. A retrial was averted after an agreed statement was published vindicating Malik. In the statement, Scott stated "I am happy to make clear that my letter was never intended to accuse Malik of orchestrating gangs of thugs or playing the race card. This was an interpretation some people placed upon my letter and subsequent article, an interpretation with which I disagreed". Lockwood said, "We want to make it clear that we never accused Shahid of any impropriety whatsoever during the elections". Malik said, "I am very pleased that after a discussion with Danny Lockwood, he has been able to give me the assurances I required". Problems at US airports On 25 October 2007, while on Government business, Malik was stopped and searched by United States airport security staff at Dulles Airport in Washington D.C. Malik said of the incident: "The abusive attitude I endured last November I forgot about and I forgave, but I really do believe that British ministers and parliamentarians should be afforded the same respect and dignity at USA airports that we would bestow upon our colleagues in the Senate and Congress. Obviously, there was no malice involved but it has to be said that the USA system does not inspire confidence." Cleared of breaching the Ministerial Code On 15 May 2009, Malik stepped down as Justice Minister and Home Office Minister in order to allow the Prime Minister's independent adviser on Ministerial interests, Sir Philip Mawer, to investigate accusations in The Daily Telegraph that he had breached the Ministerial Code by accepting preferential rent on his office and home. However, the inquiry concluded that he was in fact paying the market rent and Sir Philip cleared him of any breach. On 9 June, Malik rejoined the government as Communities and Local Government Minister. Cleared of breaching rules on expenses Malik was accused of irregularities in relation to his expenses. This came almost immediately after he was cleared of breaching the ministerial code. After a thorough 10-month inquiry by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Malik was cleared. On receiving the news Malik said: "I have now been cleared of breaching the ministerial code of conduct by the ministerial standards adviser Sir Philip Mawer, cleared of any abuse of expenses by a parliamentary review conducted by the Department of Resources, and now finally cleared of abusing office expenses by the Parliamentary Commissioner for