I suppose, given the presentation of a file to the CPS from Inspector Yates on the matter of "cash for peerages" I should make a comment. Apparently if all the papers are right, the Police have said they want to bring three charges. What is odd is the "Police want charges" line is being presented as news, but that was actually obvious anyway when they presented a case file to the CPS. When have you ever heard of the police presenting a case file to the CPS and saying "we don't want to bring charges"? It doesn't happen.
Having had an experience of the courts recently, as a character witness for a friend who was, quite rightly, found not guilty, I can't imagine the CPS would not let the cash for peerages case go to court. After all, they let my friend's case go to court and the judge even chastised the Police for being crap when they were on the stand. Of course, he was just a prole and no one cared about his case in high profile terms, funny how that works ain't it?
In the case of "cash for peerages" I imagine it helps that the Attorney-General is a personal friend who owes you for his position as well. Even if the CPS want to bring a case, Lord Goldsmith can block it. If he does though, rightly or wrongly, it will be viewed by most people and distinctly iffy. This is precisely why he should stand aside now.
A number of months ago he indicated that he wouldn't stand aside. However, at that time, it was also said, if I recall correctly, that as there was not yet a file presented to the CPS it was all academic. It's no longer academic, and it stretches the realm of credibility that Goldsmith can ever be considered to impartially make a judgment on this matter.
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