Warning should be given on obstructing police investigation - Thomas

11.22.35am GMT Mon 22nd Jan 2007

As senior Labour politicians have questioned police tactics in arresting a senior aide to Tony Blair over the "cash-for-honours" affair, Lord Thomas of Gresford, QC, Lib Dem Shadow Lord Chancellor, said:

"Senior Labour politicos in their criticism of Scotland Yard should be warned about obstructing a police investigation. There is nothing theatrical about the arrest of Ruth Turner at her home at 6.30 in the morning. Once the police had formed a reasonable suspicion of her perverting the course of justice, as they must have, it was their duty to act swiftly and professionally to preserve any evidence. That is commonplace, as any criminal lawyer knows.

"Pressure put upon the police by people in high places suggests that they want the investigation stopped. That is why it is just wrong for the Attorney General, a government minister, to get involved in the decision on the bringing of criminal charges, whether he goes to the private Bar for advice or not.

"Just as previous holders of that position have stepped aside in politically sensitive cases, so should Lord Goldsmith - as Lord Falconer, the Lord Chancellor, himself suggested he would.

"It is no use asserting the traditional independence of the office in unprecedented circumstances where the finger of suspicion points straight at Number 10. Perception is vital and an Attorney General appointed by Number 10 to the House of Lords and to his ministerial office is not seen to be above the fray."

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