Former British prime minister Tony Blair welcomed on Friday the announcement that prosecutors will not bring charges over the so-called “cash-for-honours” scandal that clouded his last year in office.
But he lamented that those subject to investigation during the 16-month probe had been through a “traumatic” time with sometimes “deeply unfair” accusations made against them.
“This investigation has ended as I always expected it would,” he said in a statement shortly after the Crown Prosecution Service announced it had insufficient evidence to charge anyone.
“Those involved have been through a terrible, even traumatic time. 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,” said Blair.
He said he would not criticise the police, who handed over a file of evidence to prosecutors in April, after making four arrests during their probe. Blair’s Middle East envoy Lord Michael Levy was arrested twice.
“They were put in an invidious position by the Scottish National Party complaint and had a very difficult task to perform,” said Blair, who was questioned as a witness three times during the investigation.
“The police were right to carry out a thorough and complete investigation. The government and the Labour Party cooperated fully with it. All issues have now been resolved.” — AFP