MP calls for independent inquiry into 'cash for peerages'

Mike Penning has condemned as “ridiculous” the prospect of Blair’s friend, Lord Goldsmith, being called upon to make a decision granting immunity from prosecution to a witness in the “cash for peerages” scandal.

Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead, has criticised the prospect that Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, will decide whether or not to grant immunity from prosecution to a former teacher arrested by police investigating the so-called “cash for peerages” scandal.

Former Government advisor and head teacher, Des Smith, was arrested by police investigating offers allegedly made to rich donors to Labour’s city academy programme. Mike Penning is concerned at the possibility of police offering him immunity from prosecution in return for an explanation about how Labour’s alleged abuse of the honours system worked. If an application is made, the decision will ultimately lie with Lord Goldsmith, Attorney General and a member of Tony Blair’s cabinet.

“The people of this country expect the police investigation into the “cash for peerages” question to be fair and totally free of political bias,” he said. “It is ridiculous for any pal of Tony Blair’s to play any part in that investigation.”