-Caveat Lector-
Begin forwarded message:
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Date: January 20, 2007 2:45:01 AM PST
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Tony Blair's Media Mouthpiece Arrested
So far, three people have already been arrested in the inquiry,
among them the treasury minister, Lord Levy -- who claims some
documents relevant to the case were destroyed in a mysterious
fire. Police believe other evidence has been shredded. Prime
Minister Blair himself -- the final source of potential evidence --
is expected to be questioned within the next two months.
The Times (UK)
January 20, 2007
Blair aide arrested as part of 'loans for peerages' inquiry
Rajeev Syal and Philip Webster
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2556515,00.html
Detectives suspect perversion of justice
Friends criticise police operation
A member of Tony Blair’s inner circle was arrested yesterday on
suspicion of perverting the course of justice by police who are
investigating the loans-for-peerages allegations.
Ruth Turner, the Downing Street director of government
communications, was woken at 6.30am and questioned for four hours
at a London police station. The Times understands that her arrest
relates to missing correspondence that discusses Labour lenders and
nominations for peerages.
She was questioned about contact with Sir Christopher Evans, the
biotech tycoon, who has also been arrested as part of the inquiry,
sources said.
The disclosed accusation of perverting the course of justice shows
that the police have turned their attention towards an attempt to
cover up the sale of honours, as revealed in this newspaper last
month.
Ms Turner, known as Mr Blair’s gatekeeper, reports directly to
Jonathan Powell, the chief of staff, and plays a role in
controlling access to the Prime Minister. She was interviewed
previously under caution in September last year in relation to e-
mails uncovered by detectives during a search of Downing Street files.
The documents raised questions about which Labour lenders may be
placed on a list to be submitted to the House of Lords Appointments
Commission, sources told The Times.
Ms Turner was also asked about “e-mail traffic” that appeared to
have been sent both to and from her work station.
In a statement released by No 10, Ms Turner said: “I have already
given the police two lengthy interviews and made it clear to them
that I was happy to speak to them again at any stage. I have been
completely open with the police throughout and will continue to co-
operate with them fully . . . I absolutely refute any allegations
of wrongdoing of any nature whatsoever.”
Mr Blair said yesterday that he continued to have complete
confidence in Ms Turner. In a statement, he said: “Ruth is a person
of the highest integrity, for whom I have great regard and I
continue to have complete confidence in her.”
Scotland Yard said that Ms Turner’s arrest at her London home was
“in connection with alleged offences under the Honours (Prevention
of Abuses) Act 1925 and also on suspicion of perverting the course
of justice”. A spokesman said that this new development would
require officers from the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime
Directorate to carry out additional investigations.
Labour had been hoping that the investigation and any resulting
action would be over before Mr Blair leaves office, giving Gordon
Brown, who is almost certain to be his successor, a chance to make
a fresh start. Charges as serious as perverting the course of
justice could mean that the party will have a cloud over it for
much longer.
Ms Turner becomes the fourth person to be arrested in the inquiry,
after Mr Blair’s personal fundraiser, Lord Levy, Sir Christopher
and the former education adviser Des Smith. The police inquiry
began in March after the House of Lords rejected nominations for
four millionaire backers — Chai Patel, Sir Gulam Noon, Sir David
Garrard and Barry Townsley — whose names were put forward for
peerages by the Prime Minister. Mr Blair was questioned at No 10
shortly before Christmas but was not arrested or cautioned.
The possibility of charges on perverting the course of justice was
discussed by the CPS last year after meetings with police. Such
charges can be brought if a person tries to interfere with an
investigation that might bring criminal proceedings. The charge,
which carries a maximum life sentence, was used against Jonathan
Aitken and Lord Archer of Weston-super-Mare.
Friends of Ms Turner were furious at the manner of her arrest. One
said: “Four policemen turned up. They questioned her for hours and
then she was allowed to go. That has undoubtedly damaged her
reputation and nobody has charged her with anything. What the hell
is going on here?”
Lord Goldsmith, the Attorney-General, dismissed suggestions that he
would stand aside from decisions about whether to prosecute over
the cash-for-honours investigation. In a letter released by a
Commons committee yesterday, Lord Goldsmith said that Lord Falconer
of Thoroton, the Lord Chancellor, was wrong to give an assurance
that he would not get involved in the case.
Line of inquiry
April 21, 2005 The Times reveals that political parties are taking
huge loans in secret March 8, 2006 The first Labour lender, Chai
Patel, complains about his nomination to be a peer being blocked
March 21 The police announce that they are making inquiries into
offences under 1925 honours laws
April 13 The head teacher Des Smith is the first person to be
arrested over the scandal
July 12 Lord Levy, Labour’s chief fundraiser and a close ally of
Tony Blair, becomes the second person to be arrested and bailed by
the police
September 21 The businessman and Labour donor Sir Christopher Evans
is arrested
September 29 Ruth Turner, the Downing Street director of government
relations, is questioned by the police for the first time
November 16 Scotland Yard detectives reveal that they are in
possession of “significant and valuable material”
December 14 Tony Blair is interviewed by the police
December 18 The Times reveals that the investigation has widened to
include investigations into allegations of perverting the course of
justice
January 19, 2007 Ruth Turner is arrested and questioned over
honours and perverting the course of justice. Later released on bail
Sarah Birke
www.ctrl.org
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