Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Ex-minister 'accepted favours from US firm'

Chris Blackhurst
Monday 12 February 1996 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Neil Hamilton, the former corporate affairs minister who resigned two years ago amid accusations that he had accepted cash and free hospitality from Mohamed al-Fayed, including a stay at the Ritz Hotel, in Paris, is to be reported to the new parliamentary watchdog on MPs' standards for similar conduct, this time involving an American tobacco giant.

Alex Carlile, Liberal Democrat MP for Montgomery, said yesterday that he had uncovered evidence that Mr Hamilton had failed to declare hospitality from US Tobacco in New York and London. Mr Carlile is to report Mr Hamilton to Sir Gordon Downey, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards in Public Life.

''We need to know if this is true or false,'' Mr Carlile said. ''If it is found to be true it would raise issues of whether someone should serve as an MP.''

The allegations have surfaced at a point when Mr Hamilton appears to be trying to resurrect a once high-flying parliamentary career. There had been signs recently that he was intent on adopting a more high-profile role among Tory backbenchers. That will almost certainly be dashed by Mr Carlile's move. The Liberal Democrat MP already has one complaint outstanding with the Commons Select Committee on Members' Interests against Mr Hamilton. That concerns the charge that Mr Hamilton had received cash from Mr al- Fayed, owner of Harrods, via the lobbyist Ian Greer, in return for tabling questions.

Mr Hamilton and Mr Greer attempted to sue a newspaper for libel over this claim but were blocked by a High Court ruling that the action would breach parliamentary privilege. They are thought to be preparing an appeal against that decision.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in