Money for honors: police dismiss criminal investigation for ‘insufficient’ evidence.
SNP deputy Angus Brendan MacNeil said the Metropolitan Police had written to inform him that there was “insufficient information” to proceed. It relates to the ongoing scandal surrounding conservative donors who receive noble titles in exchange for party donations.
Citing the letter, he said: “The Metropolitan Police have considered the material available under the relevant legislation and I am now writing to inform you that there is insufficient information to initiate a criminal investigation.
“In reaching this decision, we have considered the legislation raised in your letter, namely the Honors (Prevention of Abuse) Act of 1925, and we have also considered other possible relevant offenses.”
It came after the Met confirmed earlier this week that it was “considering” calls for an investigation.
This came after it was revealed that nine of the former Conservatives treasurers have been elevated to the House of Lords since the party returned to power in 2010.
Reacting to the news, Wishart said: “If it is not illegal to give away titles in exchange for millions of pounds in donations, then it should be illegal, and it is absolute proof that Westminster is institutionally corrupt.
“The fact that Boris Johnson, and his predecessors, have awarded titles to dozens of millionaire Conservative Party donors absolutely sucks and is a horrific abuse of the system.
“The independence of the police is paramount and we respect their decision, which is based on the evidence that is immediately available and the law as it is.
“However, the fact that the Conservatives could get away with the shameful practice of handing out titles to their wealthy donors shows that the Westminster system is broken beyond repair and will never be fixed.”
The Met said: “Specialist detectives have considered the content of correspondence received by the MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) in connection with recent media reports on the granting of noble titles.
“Taking into account both the information provided in the correspondence and other information available together with the relevant legislation, the officers have concluded that there are insufficient grounds to initiate an investigation.
“Should more information on these matters be provided to the MPS, it will of course be considered.”
Speaking today, the Prime Minister added: “I do not in any way underestimate the vital importance of transparency for MPs who work as number one for their constituents and do not participate in the paid defense.”