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Blair faces Commons probe over Ecclestone
Paul Waugh, Deputy Political Editor14 Oct 2008
TONY BLAIR today faced a possible probe into claims he "deliberately misled" Parliament over his role in the "Ecclestone affair".
Secret documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show that Mr Blair personally asked culture minister Tessa Jowell to look at an exemption from a tobacco advertising ban for Formula One hours after meeting the sport's boss, Bernie Ecclestone, in 1997.
The Government has always maintained that the meeting did not influence the final decision over the exemption even though Mr Ecclestone was a major party donor at the time having given £1million to Labour.
But Tory MPs John Maples and Peter Luff told the Commons last night that the documents show that Mr Blair lied about his role.
Mr Maples told the Speaker: "I urge you to give us a lead in this so that we can insist on full and truthful answers from ministers and a sanction against those who deceive us."
Commons Speaker Michael Martin pledged to look into reports that the former prime minister had failed to give an accurate account and asked Mr Maples and Mr Luff to write to him so that his officials could look into the matter.
But defenders of Mr Blair say the papers merely show that he asked Ms Jowell to look at the issue and had not made a firm decision on it. A spokesman for Mr Blair insisted: "There is nothing new here."
Reader views (7)
Am I alone in thinking that any investigation by Gorbals Mick will be a waste of time - all Nu-Lab crooks, so why would one point a finger at another? He won't.
- 45govt, Barbados, 14/10/2008 19:17
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we all know T.B along with every other MP are liars I have got used to it why don't the rest of the electrolate, any one who believes anything they say is an utter fool
- Sydney Hobson, Leeds uk, 14/10/2008 19:10
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I usuggest that some of the polituical trickery and malpractice alleged might well be set against the criminal law relating to public mischief. Why doesn't someone in authority follow that line up?
- Robert El-Cid,, Hull, East Yorks.,, 14/10/2008 13:42
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Mr Maples told the Speaker: "I urge you to give us a lead in this so that we can insist on full and truthful answers from ministers and a sanction against those who deceive us."
Only a couple of problems with this statement.
1. The words truthful answers and ministers appear in the same sentence.
2. Sanctions against those who deceive us? Is that Why Tony bliar (sic) has just bought another house then?
Expect Mr. Ecclestone to become Sir Bernie very very soon.
- Jimbob, Kensington, 14/10/2008 13:07
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Can we just be satisfied that Blair was/is a liar and move on. We do not have the money to spend on another inquiry - Gordon has given it all to the banks.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, Scotland, 14/10/2008 12:02
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Goodness me! What a shock it never occurred to me there was a link. Actually I said at the time this is a sign of what to expect of NuLabour and boy was I right.
- Mark, Bournemouth England, 14/10/2008 11:56
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And when this one is proved, perhaps we ould finally nail him for War crimes yoo,
- L.Taubler, London / UK, 14/10/2008 11:28
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