'No delay' urged over MPs probe

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A criminal probe into alleged misuse of expenses by MPs and peers must be completed quickly, the Director of Public Prosecutions has said.

Keir Starmer, head of the Crown Prosecution Service, said there must be "no delay" in the investigation.

It emerged last month that the police were investigating a "small number" of parliamentarians over their conduct after press revelations about expenses.

Mr Starmer stressed no decision had yet been taken on whether to charge anyone.

'Speedy process'

The Metropolitan Police surprised many when, after consulting the CPS, it launched an investigation into the expenses of a number of parliamentarians last month.

Previously the Met had ruled out a wide-ranging investigation into the conduct of MPs over their expenses.

Mr Starmer said on Thursday that he was "as anxious as anyone" to see the investigation concluded "speedily".

"There must be no delay," he said at a press conference, in which he was outlining plans to reduce delays for victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system.

The police were continuing their inquiries, he said, but had not yet handed the CPS any material on which they would base their decision on whether to press charges.

Errors

Labour's David Chaytor is the only member of Parliament to confirm publicly that he is being investigated.

He claimed £13,000 towards a mortgage on his second home even though the loan had been paid off.

The MP said he had made an "unforgivable error" and would step down from Parliament at the next election.

But he maintains it was a genuine mistake and wants to clear his name. He said he would co-operate with the authorities in their inquiry.

The BBC understands that at least one other Labour MP is being investigated.

Officers believe there is only a realistic chance of prosecution in cases where it can be proved that individuals misled Parliament's Fees Office.

The investigation is being led by the Met's temporary assistant commissioner Janet Williams, a former special branch commander.