CPS say no criminal charges against Tories.

[smudgie]

The CPS have decided there will be no criminal charges against the Tories over the 2015 election campaign.
14 of the cases have been reviewed, Thanet is still under review due to the case having been put forward later than the rest.

[arista]

Yes as predicted
just the fine

http://news.sky.com/story/live-conservative-mps-face-no-action-over-election-expenses-10871042

[MTVN]

Good, should put an end to the mud slinging against the MPs in question

[joeysteele]

It's not surprising, I understood the CPS statement says there is evidence of inaccurate returns,not enough to advise prosecutions over.

There was a major and in fact biggest fine imposed on the Conservatives over this,so maybe opening the champagne is a little inappropriate.

It well may not be criminally an issue,morally for the current governing party,it surely is.

[Cherie]

Getting away with it, meanwhile people are prosecuted for shop lifting a loaf of bread

[Jack_]

Colour me shocked

[user104658]

Getting away with it, meanwhile people are prosecuted for shop lifting a loaf of bread

Exactly, or fined thousands for filing a late tax return. It's not been proven that there WEREN'T all knowingly ****ing at it, it's just a case of "not enough evidence to proceed" as always. Double standards.

Accidentally put the wrong information on a benefits claim form? "You will face large fines and possibly a custodial sentence". File inaccurate returns for a political campaign or political expenses? Absolutely nothing happens.

[Cherie]

Exactly, or fined thousands for filing a late tax return. It's not been proven that there WEREN'T all knowingly ****ing at it, it's just a case of "not enough evidence to proceed" as always. Double standards.

Accidentally put the wrong information on a benefits claim form? "You will face large fines and possibly a custodial sentence". File inaccurate returns for a political campaign or political expenses? Absolutely nothing happens.

indeed

[MTVN]

Well they did receive a record fine (Labour and the Lib Dems were also fined so its not just a Tory issue)

Not sure what the CPS are expected to do really, if there's no evidence of lawbreaking then they can't just manufacture charges because people are feeling a bit indignant about it..

[Livia]

The problem is that there are very few qualified political agents anymore. The battle bus was a national expense and it was shown on the national expenses return. When they used it locally they didn't show it on local expenses because it had already been shown on the national expenses, but actually, they should have entered it as a "Notional Expense".

Train more qualified agents... I know all the parties are stepping back and relying on volunteers and unqualified people. And this is what you get.

[user104658]

The problem is that there are very few qualified political agents anymore.

It sort of seems like there are very few qualified politicians any more :think:. Or that we're heading that way, anyway.

[smudgie]

The problem is that there are very few qualified political agents anymore. The battle bus was a national expense and it was shown on the national expenses return. When they used it locally they didn't show it on local expenses because it had already been shown on the national expenses, but actually, they should have entered it as a "Notional Expense".

Train more qualified agents... I know all the parties are stepping back and relying on volunteers and unqualified people. And this is what you get.

Aye, that would make good sense.

[UserSince2005]

what about war criminal tony blair, that is the real issue for prosecution in british politics.

[Kizzy]

Not surprised in the slightest.
Now investigate the expenses scandal surrounding brexit...

[Livia]

Well they did receive a record fine (Labour and the Lib Dems were also fined so its not just a Tory issue)

Not sure what the CPS are expected to do really, if there's no evidence of lawbreaking then they can't just manufacture charges because people are feeling a bit indignant about it..

Missed this one... great post.

[Cherie]

Well they did receive a record fine (Labour and the Lib Dems were also fined so its not just a Tory issue)

Not sure what the CPS are expected to do really, if there's no evidence of lawbreaking then they can't just manufacture charges because people are feeling a bit indignant about it..

I don't care which party it is and I feel it's a bit of a cop out to fine the party rather than the individual IMO

[Wizard.]

Great! Now Labour can't use it as a pathetic weapon against them.

[Greg!]

So they broke the law but they're not getting charged because they can't prove that they knew they were breaking the law? A joke

[Wizard.]

So they broke the law but they're not getting charged because they can't prove that they knew they were breaking the law? A joke

Yes because you're innocent until proven guilty and without evidence you can't be guilty :hee:

[Kizzy]

They're making silly threats about defamation now, what happened to 'it was all parties' that were incriminated when they were accused, now they're off the hook it's 'we were victims of a witch hunt!' Pathetic.

[Brillopad]

what about war criminal tony blair, that is the real issue for prosecution in british politics.

I don't understand why he wasn't prosecuted. A criminal by all accounts planning his comeback as we speak. It's a disgrace.

[Mystic Mock]

what about war criminal tony blair, that is the real issue for prosecution in british politics.

Agreed.

America also has to deal with George W Bush.

[DemolitionRed]

He would be more fitting in Trumps team. He's got to be the most hated ex MP this country has ever had.

[Brillopad]

So they broke the law but they're not getting charged because they can't prove that they knew they were breaking the law? A joke

Do you suggest people are found guilty without evidence - or only when it is a political party you don't support. :shrug:

[JTM45]

Enough evidence to give them a record fine but not to prosecute them ?
That makes sense......right ?