Floodgates open in Downingstreetgate

Yesterday I received a telephone call from a Grauniad journalist. He asked about a story. There was a brief discussion about the gag on the BBC. And an agreement of minds where the leak came from. I referred the journalist to my legal advice, posted early yesterday, which stated that it did not bind others in the media. He thanked me and said he would call again.

The Grauniad decided to run with the story. Once more, the Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, attempted to gag the media by seeking a High Court injunction. This time he failed to persuade the judge. Perhaps, the BBC should have sought my advice first? In any event, the Attorney General had to concede that the Grauniad would not be breaking the injunction if it went to press. But, it may prejudice a possible criminal prosecution. However, as the papers had not yet gone to the Crown Prosecution Service, and no charges had yet been brought, it was not an issue for denying the press freedom. There was, then, no substantial risk of prejudicing court proceedings.

The judge recognised that the story was already in the public domain, on blogs and being printed elsewhere. The judge applied the legal principle that the government cannot exercise prior restraint on the media.

I think that the police should be freezing Lord Levy's assets (including those in Israel), and seizing his passport. Ideally, he should be arrested and remanded in custody because he has such resources to effect an escape from justice. His tactics are nothing short of those used by gangsters to intimidate a witness. I think that Ruth Turner should be offered a deal if she turns Queen's evidence. It is time that we heard the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, after all the lies from Tony Blair.