Huhne: Police inquiry needed into Lords allegations

7.35.00am GMT Mon 26th Jan 2009

The Liberal Democrats today called for a police inquiry into allegations that members of the House of Lords had accepted payment from lobbyists in return for pressing for amendments to legislation.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"If these allegations are confirmed, they are not merely a breach of the Lords' own rules but are surely also against the law on corrupt practices. Ex-ministers should not be touting themselves like taxi drivers for hire.

"Our politics must be clean and seen to be clean in both the Commons and the Lords. The Lords now need to tighten up their own procedures, including ensuring that they have the ability to suspend and expel members.

"The police should interview those peers who have been named and investigate whether they have used any parliamentary procedures - including questions or the tabling of amendments - to further the interests of their clients."