U.K. Police Send Cash-For-Honors File to Prosecutors

April 20 (Bloomberg) — U.K. police investigating claims Prime Minister Tony Blair’s Labour Party gave political honors in exchange for money have submitted a file to prosecutors, who will now decide if there is enough evidence to charge anyone.

“We have had extensive consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service during the inquiry and provided them with reports together with over 6,300 documents,” the Metropolitan Police said in an e-mailed statement today. “It is now a matter for the CPS to consider the evidence, advise us on whether any further enquiries are necessary and whether any charges should be brought.”

The 216-page report is the culmination of a yearlong inquiry, which began after Labour disclosed that it received 14 million pounds ($28 million) in loans from 12 of its supporters to help the party fight the May 2005 general election. Other parties subsequently disclosed details of their financial backers.

Police have been examined whether Blair’s office improperly recommended people for seats in the House of Lords, parliament’s upper chamber, in exchange for political donations.

Blair became the first prime minister to be questioned in connection with a criminal inquiry, and two of his aides have been arrested.

Michael Levy, Blair’s chief fundraiser, was arrested on Jan. 30 on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Ruth Turner, an aide to Blair, was held on similar grounds on Jan. 19. Both have consistently denied any wrongdoing. Blair himself has been questioned twice, as a witness rather than a suspect.

The Metropolitan Police today said it had “extensive consultation” and that 136 people have been interviewed as either witnesses or suspects. The file of evidence submitted today is the main one of 12 submissions.

Lawmakers today called for political neutrality.

“I do hope that Lord Goldsmith, the Attorney General, will stay out of it, otherwise nobody will be satisfied that is due process” Elfyn Llewyd, the leader of opposition party Plaid Cymru said, in a telephone interview. “It should be entirely a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service and independent lawyers if there are calls to prosecute.”

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