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Tory accused of smears over Mandy and the oligarch
Paul Waugh and Nicholas Cecil16.10.08
THE TORIES were accused of running a "smear" campaign against Lord Mandelson today after an MP used parliamentary privilege to highlight his links to a Russian billionaire.
Commons leader Harriet Harman hit out after Tory backbencher Hugo Swire raised claims about Lord Mandelson's dinner with aluminium tycoon Oleg Deripaska this summer when he was EU Trade Commissioner.
The new Business Secretary, who was due to give his maiden speech in the Lords today, denies that his links to Mr Deripaska had any bearing on the EU's decision to cut tariffs on aluminium.
But during Business Questions, Mr Swire asked: "Given the very serious nature of some of these allegations, can we have a debate next week to try and ascertain as to the nature of the relationship between the Secretary of State for Business when he was EU Trade Commissioner, both in relation to an ownership dispute within Russian insurance company Ingosstrakh and the past relationship with the aluminium tariffs situation in Russia?"
Ms Harman replied: "I don't believe that Business Questions should be used and the privilege that attaches to Business Questions for Honourable Members to make smears and allegations which are unjustified."
Reader views (9)
How can you smear some one who is already fatally tainted?
- L.Taubler, London / UK
Leopards and spots spring to mind.
- Paul, London
We don't need the Tories to tell us that Mandelson is a crook, it's common knowledge. That's the reason that his morally bankrupt pal, Billy Liar, had to twice force his resignation (not the fact that he was a villain, but that it was common knowledge!).
As for comments by Harriet Harpy; does anyone really take her seriously?
- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster
So its in all the papers days ago but if a Tory MP raises it its Tory sleaze? Harperson has thrown her rattle out of the pram - again!
- Dave, London
I'm expecting to see a large number of attacks against the opposition parties in the coming days - its getting close to the optimum time for a snap election (to coincide with a certain upcoming by-election). It may be nothing, but I watch with interest.
- Rogan, Irving
Just fancy, the Tories accusing Labour of sleaze. The Tory party invented it. Yes Mandy is a piece of work but no more than those from Central office.
99% of politicians have their snouts in the trough, but let's not forget who invented it.
- Kerry, Purley
If they actually have a debate they'll have to dust down the seats first. It's so rare except for Prime Minister's Questions which last all of 15 minutes. That, by the way, is about to be renamed Our Saviour's Questions.
- John Problem, Hackney Wick, London, UK
Are the facts as outlined in the MPs 'exposure' accurate or false. If they are totally false then, yes he is abusing Parliamentary Privilege. If they are accurate, however, then why should he not raise the matter in the Commons or anywhere else. After all Mandy is now a being paid by the UK taxpayers as an unelected Government minister and his past machinations, as well has his present links, should be open to critical examination.
- Paul, Croydon Surrey
Super bit of attacking spin from Labour. How can anyone smear Mandelson? The guy is so dripping wet with sleaze all by himself. Oh Harriet you do so love doing hopeless Gordon's bidding. What a shower.
- Mac, London
