In a statement read to the inquiry yesterday, Mr Blair said: In 1997 I would have known of the allegations made in 1991 in respect of Lord Janner by Frank Beck during his trial.
As regards the nomination, I would expect such allegations to be considered (by the Political Honours Scrutiny Committee) as part of that process.
In the circumstances of Lord Janner’s vigorous public denial, a police investigation, and charges not being brought, I do not believe the allegations would have been investigated further beyond confirming those facts, nor that I would have considered them a bar to the nomination.
Allegations made, investigation done, evidence of allegation not found – at that point, certainly.
So, should the allegations be a bar to the continuation of life as normal? And a peerage for a long serving back bencher isn’t unusual.
Well, no, because to make the allegation the judge and jury is to make the allegation the punishment, isn’t it?
Which is exactly what they want…until it bites one of their own.
I wouldn’t be in the least surprised if Janner had been a bad bugger. But lack of evidence is what it is. Or isn’t.
The complaint seems to be that he was rather too good at buggery…..