The Metropolitan Police have apologised to the Commons speaker for sharing information to Peter Mandelson’s lawyers that he had passed on details that the disgraced peer was an alleged flight risk.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the Commons has received an apology from Scotland Yard and it is understood they are also meeting him in person Wednesday afternoon to explain their error, which has been regarded as a serious breach of policing protocol.
The police conducted their own assessment of the information passed on by Sir Lindsay, it is understood, before arresting Lord Mandelson on Monday.
It has been reported that Sir Lindsay passed on information to the police that the former US ambassador was planning to travel to the British Virgin Islands, to which he denied.
Lord Mandelson’s lawyers had written to the Met requesting on what evidence they arrested him on after he was released on bail in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
It is understood the disgraced peer, who was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, has surrendered his passport as part of bail conditions, reports the Guardian.
Sir Lindsay admitted to passing information “in good faith” to the Metropolitan Police, following reports someone had informed the force that Lord Peter Mandelson could be a flight risk.
Lord Mandelson’s lawyers hit out at the “baseless” claims that he was “preparing to leave the country”.
Lindsay Hoyle admitted playing key role in Lord Mandelson’s arrest
|
PA
Mishcon de Reya, his lawyers, said in a statement on Tuesday evening: “Peter Mandelson was arrested yesterday despite an agreement with the police that he would attend an interview next month on a voluntary basis.
“The arrest was prompted by a baseless suggestion that he was planning to leave the country and take up permanent residence abroad.
“There is absolutely no truth whatsoever in any such suggestion. We have asked the MPS for the evidence relied upon to justify the arrest.
“Peter Mandelson’s overriding priority is to cooperate with the police investigation, as he has done throughout this process, and to clear his name.”
Peter Mandelson was released on bail after being arrested by police
|
GETTY
Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday, Sir Lindsay said: “To prevent any inaccurate speculation, I’d like to confirm that upon receipt of information that I felt was relevant, I passed this on to Metropolitan Police in good faith, as is my duty and responsibility.
“It is regrettable this rapidly ended in the media – as this is a live investigation, members will understand that it would not be appropriate to make any further comment, and I’d like to caution members from doing so”.
Lord Mandelson, who has been accused of passing sensitive information on to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as business secretary, has been bailed until May.
The Met police have declined to comment.
MORE TO FOLLOW…