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30/11/2004
Scope of Blunkett inquiry raises objections
Sir Alan Budd's review of claims that David Blunkett misued his powers, which began today, has provoked criticism from parliamentary standards watchdog Sir Alistair Graham.
Despite five further allegations of misuse of power the inquiry will investigate only one, that of Mr Blunkett's alleged 'fast-tracking' of a visa application lodged by his former married lover's Filipino nanny.
Mr Graham said: "The problem is the remit of his inquiry and the fact that Mr Blunkett and the Prime Minister appear to have chosen to confine that to the issue of the visa, whereas there are a number of other really quite serious allegations which ought to be cleared up, for the sake of Mr Blunkett.”
In response to his comments Downing Street said that it was right that the review deal with only the visa application issue since the Home Office had “dealt with” other allegations. Among these are claims that Mr Blunkett disclosed confidential security information to Mrs Quinn, publisher of Spectator magazine and gave her a first class train ticket issued to him.
Sir Alistair told the BBC's Newsnight programme last night: " What the Prime Minister has to remember is that he is the final arbiter, the final person who will decide, having seen the results of the inquiry what action is appropriate." He referred to the 'ad hoc' arrangement of today's inquiry as "unacceptable" and recommended that a second inquiry could be conducted by Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Sir Philip Mawer.
Mr Blair has showed unstinting support for his Home Secretary and in his monthly press briefing yesterday said that he was confident Mr Blunkett would be exonerated by the inquiry.
Mr Blunkett and Mrs Quinn began an affair shortly after her marriage to publisher Stephen Quinn and Mr Blunkett claims to be the father of her two-year-old child and her unborn baby.
(mmcg/sp)
Despite five further allegations of misuse of power the inquiry will investigate only one, that of Mr Blunkett's alleged 'fast-tracking' of a visa application lodged by his former married lover's Filipino nanny.
Mr Graham said: "The problem is the remit of his inquiry and the fact that Mr Blunkett and the Prime Minister appear to have chosen to confine that to the issue of the visa, whereas there are a number of other really quite serious allegations which ought to be cleared up, for the sake of Mr Blunkett.”
In response to his comments Downing Street said that it was right that the review deal with only the visa application issue since the Home Office had “dealt with” other allegations. Among these are claims that Mr Blunkett disclosed confidential security information to Mrs Quinn, publisher of Spectator magazine and gave her a first class train ticket issued to him.
Sir Alistair told the BBC's Newsnight programme last night: " What the Prime Minister has to remember is that he is the final arbiter, the final person who will decide, having seen the results of the inquiry what action is appropriate." He referred to the 'ad hoc' arrangement of today's inquiry as "unacceptable" and recommended that a second inquiry could be conducted by Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Sir Philip Mawer.
Mr Blair has showed unstinting support for his Home Secretary and in his monthly press briefing yesterday said that he was confident Mr Blunkett would be exonerated by the inquiry.
Mr Blunkett and Mrs Quinn began an affair shortly after her marriage to publisher Stephen Quinn and Mr Blunkett claims to be the father of her two-year-old child and her unborn baby.
(mmcg/sp)
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25 October 2004
Child sex juries to hear of certain previous convictions
In a major shake-up of criminal trial procedure, previous convictions will be revealed to juries in child sex cases, the Home Office has announced today. Under an order laid before Parliament today, people convicted of child sex or theft offences can expect to have their record revealed in court if they are charged again with similar offences.
Child sex juries to hear of certain previous convictions
In a major shake-up of criminal trial procedure, previous convictions will be revealed to juries in child sex cases, the Home Office has announced today. Under an order laid before Parliament today, people convicted of child sex or theft offences can expect to have their record revealed in court if they are charged again with similar offences.
17 August 2004
Eight men charged with terror offences
Eight men have been charged with terrorism-related offences, the BBC has reported today. All eight are expected to appear before Bow Street Magistrates Court tomorrow and will face charges including conspiracy to commit murder. A ninth man who was also being held has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.
Eight men charged with terror offences
Eight men have been charged with terrorism-related offences, the BBC has reported today. All eight are expected to appear before Bow Street Magistrates Court tomorrow and will face charges including conspiracy to commit murder. A ninth man who was also being held has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.
10 February 2004
Volunteers 'crucial' to successful London Olympics
Volunteers could play a crucial role if the 2012 Olympics were held in London, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today. Around 10,000 volunteers aged from 16 to 87 were essential to the success of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester two years ago, and more than 60,000 helped out at the Sydney 2000 Games.
Volunteers 'crucial' to successful London Olympics
Volunteers could play a crucial role if the 2012 Olympics were held in London, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today. Around 10,000 volunteers aged from 16 to 87 were essential to the success of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester two years ago, and more than 60,000 helped out at the Sydney 2000 Games.
11 September 2003
Pioneering crime-busting centre to be opened in Liverpool
Liverpool is to be the location for Britain's first American-style community justice centre, Home Secretary David Blunkett has announced. The announcement came during a fact-finding visit to Merseyside by the Home Office ministerial team and senior Home Office Board members.
Pioneering crime-busting centre to be opened in Liverpool
Liverpool is to be the location for Britain's first American-style community justice centre, Home Secretary David Blunkett has announced. The announcement came during a fact-finding visit to Merseyside by the Home Office ministerial team and senior Home Office Board members.
05 June 2003
Blunkett holds 'constructive' talks with Afghan President
The Home Secretary held what has been described as a "constructive" meeting with Afghan president Hamid Karzai in London today. David Blunkett said that the pair focused on the issue of asylum seekers and he hailed the "helpful cooperation" of the Afghan government on the issue. Mr Karzai is expected to meet with the Prime Minister later today.
Blunkett holds 'constructive' talks with Afghan President
The Home Secretary held what has been described as a "constructive" meeting with Afghan president Hamid Karzai in London today. David Blunkett said that the pair focused on the issue of asylum seekers and he hailed the "helpful cooperation" of the Afghan government on the issue. Mr Karzai is expected to meet with the Prime Minister later today.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
