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The key figures who got it wrong
Evening Standard16 Apr 2009
Jacqui Smith
Home Secretary
She claimed ... that national security was in danger despite admitting that none of the leaks had posed a threat.
She told the Commons in December: “The sustained level of leaking that had already taken place clearly suggested that this could go on, would escalate, and that more information of greater sensitivity could potentially leak.”
But ... the DPP now ruled that there was no such threat from the leaks, some of which involved information the public had a right to know.
She claimed . . . Scotland Yard had no need to tell her an MP was being arrested. She told MPs “It would have been wholly inappropriate” for her to ask questions.
But ... former Labour Home Secretary John Reid told her in disbelief: “I have to say I'm surprised you weren't informed that your opposite number, effectively, was about to be arrested. I cannot think that . . . I would have remained as placid as you have.”
Chris Wright
Director of security and intelligence at the Cabinet Office
He claimed ... in a letter asking Scotland Yard to investigate, he said the leaks had caused “considerable damage to national security”.
But ... the home affairs committee today said his letter was “hyperbole”, or extreme exaggeration. The DPP ruled that no damage was done and some leaks were matters of legitimate public interest.
Michael Martin
Commons Speaker
He claimed ... the police were wrong to raid an MP's office without obtaining a search warrant.
But ... the home affairs committee found that the Met acted correctly by asking for permission instead.
Bob Quick
Former Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitan Police
He decided ... as head of the Yard investigation to arrest Damian Green and search his office.
But ... it appeared to be a fishing expedition because none of the leaks was serious enough to justify prosecution for “conspiring to commit misconduct in a public office, and aiding and abetting, counselling or procuring misconduct in a public office”.
When he told Home Office permanent secretary Sir David Normington of his plans, the mandarin exploded: “Well, I hope you have the evidence for that.”
He resigned from the Met after a security blunder this month when he accidentally revealed secret papers.
Reader views (3)
You missed out another big culprit : The Sergeant at Arms
She let the police into the House of Commons.
Her job is to protect the House of Commons, which she failed to do. She should have asked for a search warrant, and refused them access when they failed to produce one.
- S Fulton, Norwich,Norfolk, 30/04/2009 15:27
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You missed out the Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell who was referred to in the letter as being concerned.
- James, London, 16/04/2009 15:43
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P45s all round please - without big (or even little)payoffs.
- Jeremy E, London, 16/04/2009 14:47
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