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20/07/2007
Blair 'pleased' by honours inquiry ruling
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he is "very pleased" by the news that the cash-for-honours inquiry has ended with no charges being brought.
Mr Blair said that those involved in the inquiry had faced a "traumatic time" and said: "Much of what has been written and said about them has been deeply unfair and I am very pleased for all of them that it is now over."
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed on Friday that no charges would be brought over the investigation.
An investigation was launched following a complaint made by Scottish National Party MP Angus MacNeil alleging that four wealthy Labour supporters had been nominated for peerages after making loans to the party.
More than 130 people were questioned during the course of the 16-month inquiry, including former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who was questioned three times as a potential witness - the first sitting prime minister to be interviewed by police during the course of a criminal investigation.
Four people were also arrested - Labour fundraiser Lord Levy, Downing Street aide Ruth Turner, biotech tycoon and Labour donor Sir Christopher Evans and Des Smith, a former teacher who had advised the government on the academy school programme.
The inquiry was also widened to cover loans to the Conservative party, as well as other political parties.
Ms Turner said that the CPS' announcement was an "enormous relief", while Lord Levy echoed her comments, describing the ruling as a "great relief".
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that he hoped that the CPS' statement would bring an end to "months of speculation".
(KMcA/JM)
Mr Blair said that those involved in the inquiry had faced a "traumatic time" and said: "Much of what has been written and said about them has been deeply unfair and I am very pleased for all of them that it is now over."
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed on Friday that no charges would be brought over the investigation.
An investigation was launched following a complaint made by Scottish National Party MP Angus MacNeil alleging that four wealthy Labour supporters had been nominated for peerages after making loans to the party.
More than 130 people were questioned during the course of the 16-month inquiry, including former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who was questioned three times as a potential witness - the first sitting prime minister to be interviewed by police during the course of a criminal investigation.
Four people were also arrested - Labour fundraiser Lord Levy, Downing Street aide Ruth Turner, biotech tycoon and Labour donor Sir Christopher Evans and Des Smith, a former teacher who had advised the government on the academy school programme.
The inquiry was also widened to cover loans to the Conservative party, as well as other political parties.
Ms Turner said that the CPS' announcement was an "enormous relief", while Lord Levy echoed her comments, describing the ruling as a "great relief".
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that he hoped that the CPS' statement would bring an end to "months of speculation".
(KMcA/JM)
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19 January 2011
Release Of Bush Blair Memos Vetoed
The public disclosure of a number of secret memos between former Prime Minister Blair and ex US President Bush, sent during the run up to the Iraq invasion, has been blocked. The potentially politically volatile memos were determined to be made public as part of the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war by the inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot.
Release Of Bush Blair Memos Vetoed
The public disclosure of a number of secret memos between former Prime Minister Blair and ex US President Bush, sent during the run up to the Iraq invasion, has been blocked. The potentially politically volatile memos were determined to be made public as part of the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war by the inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot.
05 March 2010
Brown Appears Before Iraq Inquiry
Gordon Brown has defended the 2003 invasion of Iraq as the "right" thing to do. The Prime Minister, appearing before an inquiry into the war today, said Tony Blair did not keep him in the dark about plans. Mr Brown was Chancellor when the invasion was agreed. Today he said it was clear Iraq "had to be dealt with".
Brown Appears Before Iraq Inquiry
Gordon Brown has defended the 2003 invasion of Iraq as the "right" thing to do. The Prime Minister, appearing before an inquiry into the war today, said Tony Blair did not keep him in the dark about plans. Mr Brown was Chancellor when the invasion was agreed. Today he said it was clear Iraq "had to be dealt with".
14 November 2006
Blair gives evidence in US Iraq inquiry
Prime Minister Tony Blair has given evidence to a US inquiry reviewing policy in Iraq. Mr Blair gave evidence to the Iraq Study Group via video-link.
Blair gives evidence in US Iraq inquiry
Prime Minister Tony Blair has given evidence to a US inquiry reviewing policy in Iraq. Mr Blair gave evidence to the Iraq Study Group via video-link.
28 August 2003
Blair: I would have quit if BBC claims were true
The Prime Minister has told the Hutton Inquiry that he would have quit if the BBC's claims that Downing Street had "sexed up" an intelligence dossier on Iraq's WMD capability were true. Tony Blair made the claim at this morning's session of the inquiry which is probing the circumstances into the death of leading weapons expert Dr David Kelly.
Blair: I would have quit if BBC claims were true
The Prime Minister has told the Hutton Inquiry that he would have quit if the BBC's claims that Downing Street had "sexed up" an intelligence dossier on Iraq's WMD capability were true. Tony Blair made the claim at this morning's session of the inquiry which is probing the circumstances into the death of leading weapons expert Dr David Kelly.
03 June 2003
PM rejects calls for public inquiry into WMDs
The Prime Minister has rejected fresh calls today for an independent public inquiry into the nature of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Instead it is expected that Mr Blair will formally task the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to investigate the issue in the Commons tomorrow.
PM rejects calls for public inquiry into WMDs
The Prime Minister has rejected fresh calls today for an independent public inquiry into the nature of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Instead it is expected that Mr Blair will formally task the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to investigate the issue in the Commons tomorrow.
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