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Version 1 Version 2
Inquiry outcome 'extraordinary' Inquiry outcome 'extraordinary'
(about 6 hours later)
The MP whose complaint prompted the cash-for-honours investigation has described the decision not to prosecute anyone as "quite extraordinary".The MP whose complaint prompted the cash-for-honours investigation has described the decision not to prosecute anyone as "quite extraordinary".
Scottish National Party MP Angus MacNeil told BBC Scotland he was keen to know exactly what information had been handed over by Scotland Yard.Scottish National Party MP Angus MacNeil told BBC Scotland he was keen to know exactly what information had been handed over by Scotland Yard.
He pointed out that during the 16-month inquiry, more than 6,300 documents were given to the Crown Prosecution Service. He pointed out that during the 16-month inquiry more than 6,300 documents were given to the Crown Prosecution Service.
He said it "seemed strange" that the investigation had "come to nothing".He said it "seemed strange" that the investigation had "come to nothing".
Four people - including two aides of former prime minister Tony Blair - were arrested during inquiries into whether honours were sold and whether a cover-up ensued.Four people - including two aides of former prime minister Tony Blair - were arrested during inquiries into whether honours were sold and whether a cover-up ensued.
Police interviewed 136 people, including Mr Blair and all denied any wrongdoing. Police interviewed 136 people - including Mr Blair - and all denied any wrongdoing.
Downing Street adviser John McTernan told the BBC that the lack of any prosecutions showed that the UK Government had been vindicated.Downing Street adviser John McTernan told the BBC that the lack of any prosecutions showed that the UK Government had been vindicated.
The difficulty with a nod and wink culture is finding anything tangible for the police or indeed a prosecution Angus MacNeilSNP MP No 'cash-for-honours' chargesThe difficulty with a nod and wink culture is finding anything tangible for the police or indeed a prosecution Angus MacNeilSNP MP No 'cash-for-honours' charges
Western Isles MP Mr MacNeil told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme: "The link that was obvious between cash and honours might not be so obvious in future. Mr Blair said he was "very pleased" that the cash-for-honours inquiry was over.
"We will have to wait and see what information comes out. "Those involved have been through a terrible, even traumatic time," he said.
"The big question I would like answered is what exactly the police recommended when they handed their documentation over. "Much of what has been written and said about them has been deeply unfair and I am very pleased for all of them that it is now over.
"The difficulty with a nod and wink culture is finding anything tangible for the police or indeed a prosecution." "I want to make it clear that I level no criticism at the police. They were put in an invidious position by the SNP complaint and had a very difficult task to perform. "
Mr MacNeil added that throughout the investigation there had been a "political cultural change". Western Isles MP Mr MacNeil said he made no apology for asking the police to investigate.
"Going hand in hand with that is the fact that the main political parties, while maintaining the fiction that there is no link between cash and honours, are in the last 16 months saying the public have to fund political parties, and that is during a period that the money has dried up," he said. He said the effects of the 16-month probe had been a fundamental shift in political culture which meant it was no longer acceptable for honours to be determined for political purposes.
"Coincidence, perhaps, but I'll leave the public to decide." Mr MacNeil said: "It is extraordinary that this investigation has gone on for so long without any charges.
"There is much circumstantial evidence that people were raking in funds in exchange for the expectation of honours and indeed that such transactions were being kept secret.
"Let's not forget that this investigation started because a Labour Party donor complained about being denied his anticipated peerage and the Labour Party treasurer complained about being kept in the dark about his party's secret loan arrangements."