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05/12/2008
Hain Will Not Face Donation Charges
Former Cabinet Minister Peter Hain will not face criminal charges over political donations he received during his failed deputy leadership challenge last year.
Mr Hain resigned over the matter, forcing the Prime Minister to reshuffle government positions.
A police inquiry was launched into the funding campaign, organised by the former Pensions Secretary, which aimed to propel him into the Labour deputy leader position. Harriet Harman later won the vote.
The incident was one of several that plagued Gordon Brown's transition into Number 10.
As a result, Mr Brown pledged to restore public trust in the government when he took office in June 2007.
His predecessor Tony Blair has been dogged by similar corruption allegations, leading the police to investigate a number of party funding issues, including the so-called 'cash for peerages' scandal.
According the Crown Prosecution Service, there was not enough evidence to charge Mr Hain, who was first elected as an MP in 1991.
Crown Lawyer Stephen O'Doherty said, although Hain did not report all donations to the electoral watchdog within the required 30 days, he was not directly responsible for dealing with money given to his campaign team.
Mr O'Doherty said he had advised police to take no further action.
In a statement, Mr Hain said he was pleased to have cleared his name over the late declaration of the gift of more than £100,000.
He said: "I said all along that reporting some of the donations to my 2007 Labour Party deputy leader campaign late was an honest mistake,
"Now everyone knows that it was," added the MP.
(PR)
Mr Hain resigned over the matter, forcing the Prime Minister to reshuffle government positions.
A police inquiry was launched into the funding campaign, organised by the former Pensions Secretary, which aimed to propel him into the Labour deputy leader position. Harriet Harman later won the vote.
The incident was one of several that plagued Gordon Brown's transition into Number 10.
As a result, Mr Brown pledged to restore public trust in the government when he took office in June 2007.
His predecessor Tony Blair has been dogged by similar corruption allegations, leading the police to investigate a number of party funding issues, including the so-called 'cash for peerages' scandal.
According the Crown Prosecution Service, there was not enough evidence to charge Mr Hain, who was first elected as an MP in 1991.
Crown Lawyer Stephen O'Doherty said, although Hain did not report all donations to the electoral watchdog within the required 30 days, he was not directly responsible for dealing with money given to his campaign team.
Mr O'Doherty said he had advised police to take no further action.
In a statement, Mr Hain said he was pleased to have cleared his name over the late declaration of the gift of more than £100,000.
He said: "I said all along that reporting some of the donations to my 2007 Labour Party deputy leader campaign late was an honest mistake,
"Now everyone knows that it was," added the MP.
(PR)
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11 January 2008
Hain In Hot Water Over Donations
Government Minister Peter Hain has been reported to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner for failing to declare £103,156 in gifts to his Labour deputy leader bid. The watchdog will investigate whether the work and pensions secretary broke the rules on MPs' conduct.
Hain In Hot Water Over Donations
Government Minister Peter Hain has been reported to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner for failing to declare £103,156 in gifts to his Labour deputy leader bid. The watchdog will investigate whether the work and pensions secretary broke the rules on MPs' conduct.
25 January 2008
Devolution Of Further Power In Wales Opposed
Following the resignation of Peter Hain, who quit after his deputy leadership campaign donations were referred to the police, another former NI Secretary of State, Paul Murphy has returned to the position he held for three years as Welsh Secretary, and straight into problems.
Devolution Of Further Power In Wales Opposed
Following the resignation of Peter Hain, who quit after his deputy leadership campaign donations were referred to the police, another former NI Secretary of State, Paul Murphy has returned to the position he held for three years as Welsh Secretary, and straight into problems.
01 December 2011
'Virtual Court' To Help Sentence Drink Drivers
Drink Drivers caught in the act over Christmas could loose their licences within 90 minutes of being charged with the help of a "virtual court". The idea of a "virtual court" is that video links between stations and courts will be used to help hand out swifter punishment to motorists found under the influence.
'Virtual Court' To Help Sentence Drink Drivers
Drink Drivers caught in the act over Christmas could loose their licences within 90 minutes of being charged with the help of a "virtual court". The idea of a "virtual court" is that video links between stations and courts will be used to help hand out swifter punishment to motorists found under the influence.
07 November 2006
M&S profits rise on makeover
Marks & Spencer’s resurgence has continued with the retailer reporting a 32% hike in half-year profits. Pre-tax profits were reported as £405.1m on the back of strong sales in food and clothing, and an advertising campaign featuring Twiggy. M&S Chief Executive Stuart Rose said: “We had a good first half.
M&S profits rise on makeover
Marks & Spencer’s resurgence has continued with the retailer reporting a 32% hike in half-year profits. Pre-tax profits were reported as £405.1m on the back of strong sales in food and clothing, and an advertising campaign featuring Twiggy. M&S Chief Executive Stuart Rose said: “We had a good first half.
19 October 2006
Street crime still on the rise
Official statistics have revealed that street crime and robbery in England and Wales rose by 5% between April and June this year. The increase follows an 8% rise recorded in the year to April – an upward trend which has been attributed to a higher level of thefts from people carrying electronic items such as MP3 players and mobile phones.
Street crime still on the rise
Official statistics have revealed that street crime and robbery in England and Wales rose by 5% between April and June this year. The increase follows an 8% rise recorded in the year to April – an upward trend which has been attributed to a higher level of thefts from people carrying electronic items such as MP3 players and mobile phones.
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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.
