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06/03/2007
Newspaper publishes insight into cash-for-honours investigation
A story detailing developments in the cash-for-honours inquiry has been published in 'The Guardian' newspaper this morning.
The story, which claims that police are investigating whether Labour's chief fundraiser, Lord Levy, attempted to convince one of the Prime Minister's senior aides to 'shape' evidence provided to the police, appears in Tuesday's edition of 'The Guardian'
A judge refused to grant an injunction stopping the publication of the story last night, because printing of the paper had already begun.
The story claimed that police were investigating whether one of Tony Blair's senior aides, Ruth Turner, had been asked by Lord Levy to "modify information that might have been of interest to the inquiry".
'The Guardian' said that this piece of information has prompted the focus of the investigation to shift from the question of whether peerages were offered in exchange for loans to whether there was a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Both Lord Levy and Ms Turner have been arrested on suspicion of trying to pervert the course of justice. Both have been released on bail and deny any wrongdoing.
Following the publication of 'The Guardian's' story, an injunction barring the BBC from reporting a story connected to the investigation was lifted.
The BBC story related to an alleged document in which Ms Turner is said to have expressed concern over the version of events over cash-for-honours presented by Lord Levy.
The BBC said that they had not seen the alleged document, but said that it was supported by more than one source.
A statement released by Neil O'May from Lord Levy's solicitors Bindman & Partners said: "Lord Levy categorically denies any wrong-doing whatsoever, as he has throughout this lengthy police investigation.
"There has been a regular strem of leaks to the media during this year-long investigation, all of which have presented a prejudiced and distorted view.
"Cumulatively, these leaks and reports have created a climate which does not allow for any fair assessment of the investigation.
"Any fair-minded person must realise the intolerable burden that is placed on Lord Levy and his family by this media-style trial when Lord Levy is unable to defend himself on these matters whilst the police investigation continues."
The cash-for-honours investigation was sparked last year by complaints from Scottish National Party MP Angus MacNeil and Plaid Cymru parliamentary leader Elfyn Llwyd, who claimed that peerages were being awarded to those who made large donations or loans to the Labour party. It then emerged that a number of undisclosed loans had been made to the party before the 2005 general election and that some of those responsible had later been nominated for peerages.
The investigation was later widened to cover the other main political parties.
A number of people have been questioned in the course of the investigation, including Mr Blair and former Conservative leader Michael Howard.
However, no-one has been charged and all those involved deny any wrongdoing.
(KMcA/SP)
The story, which claims that police are investigating whether Labour's chief fundraiser, Lord Levy, attempted to convince one of the Prime Minister's senior aides to 'shape' evidence provided to the police, appears in Tuesday's edition of 'The Guardian'
A judge refused to grant an injunction stopping the publication of the story last night, because printing of the paper had already begun.
The story claimed that police were investigating whether one of Tony Blair's senior aides, Ruth Turner, had been asked by Lord Levy to "modify information that might have been of interest to the inquiry".
'The Guardian' said that this piece of information has prompted the focus of the investigation to shift from the question of whether peerages were offered in exchange for loans to whether there was a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Both Lord Levy and Ms Turner have been arrested on suspicion of trying to pervert the course of justice. Both have been released on bail and deny any wrongdoing.
Following the publication of 'The Guardian's' story, an injunction barring the BBC from reporting a story connected to the investigation was lifted.
The BBC story related to an alleged document in which Ms Turner is said to have expressed concern over the version of events over cash-for-honours presented by Lord Levy.
The BBC said that they had not seen the alleged document, but said that it was supported by more than one source.
A statement released by Neil O'May from Lord Levy's solicitors Bindman & Partners said: "Lord Levy categorically denies any wrong-doing whatsoever, as he has throughout this lengthy police investigation.
"There has been a regular strem of leaks to the media during this year-long investigation, all of which have presented a prejudiced and distorted view.
"Cumulatively, these leaks and reports have created a climate which does not allow for any fair assessment of the investigation.
"Any fair-minded person must realise the intolerable burden that is placed on Lord Levy and his family by this media-style trial when Lord Levy is unable to defend himself on these matters whilst the police investigation continues."
The cash-for-honours investigation was sparked last year by complaints from Scottish National Party MP Angus MacNeil and Plaid Cymru parliamentary leader Elfyn Llwyd, who claimed that peerages were being awarded to those who made large donations or loans to the Labour party. It then emerged that a number of undisclosed loans had been made to the party before the 2005 general election and that some of those responsible had later been nominated for peerages.
The investigation was later widened to cover the other main political parties.
A number of people have been questioned in the course of the investigation, including Mr Blair and former Conservative leader Michael Howard.
However, no-one has been charged and all those involved deny any wrongdoing.
(KMcA/SP)
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31 January 2007
Lord Levy arrested in cash-for-honours probe
Lord Levy, the Labour party's chief fundraiser, has been arrested for a second time in the cash-for-honours investigation. The peer, who is the Prime Minister's envoy to the Middle East, was first arrested last July. However, this time he was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Lord Levy arrested in cash-for-honours probe
Lord Levy, the Labour party's chief fundraiser, has been arrested for a second time in the cash-for-honours investigation. The peer, who is the Prime Minister's envoy to the Middle East, was first arrested last July. However, this time he was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
21 October 2005
Britain celebrates Trafalgar bicentenary
Britain is marking the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar with a series of events across the country. More than 6,000 events are planned to take place throughout the UK over the weekend, to mark the Royal Navy victory over the combined Spanish and France fleets on October 21, 1805.
Britain celebrates Trafalgar bicentenary
Britain is marking the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar with a series of events across the country. More than 6,000 events are planned to take place throughout the UK over the weekend, to mark the Royal Navy victory over the combined Spanish and France fleets on October 21, 1805.
13 July 2006
MPs briefed on Lord Levy arrest
Deputy Assistant Commissioner John Yates has told MPs this morning that the arrest of Lord Levy for questioning is not a "symbolic" gesture. Lord Levy, 61, the Labour Party's chief fundraiser, was arrested by police investigating allegations of "cash for peerages", but he was later released on bail pending further inquiries.
MPs briefed on Lord Levy arrest
Deputy Assistant Commissioner John Yates has told MPs this morning that the arrest of Lord Levy for questioning is not a "symbolic" gesture. Lord Levy, 61, the Labour Party's chief fundraiser, was arrested by police investigating allegations of "cash for peerages", but he was later released on bail pending further inquiries.
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A woman has died in hospital after falling on a route E3 bus on Chiswick High Road, just after 13:30 on Tuesday, 18 August. The 77-year-old woman was taken to hospital by ambulance, where she was pronounced dead shortly before 17:00.
Investigation Launched After Death Of Woman Following Bus Fall
A woman has died in hospital after falling on a route E3 bus on Chiswick High Road, just after 13:30 on Tuesday, 18 August. The 77-year-old woman was taken to hospital by ambulance, where she was pronounced dead shortly before 17:00.
17 April 2015
Appeal For Information After Body Found In Fife
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Appeal For Information After Body Found In Fife
Police in Fife have appealed for information into an ongoing investigation following the discovery of a man's body in Glenrothes. Police discovered the body of Aleksandrs Sokolovs (29) inside a property on Tummel Road on Monday. The death of the Latvian-national is being treated as suspicious.
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