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Honours inquiry 'eroding trust' Honours claims 'damaging trust'
(20 minutes later)
The investigation into cash-for-honours allegations is damaging politics, senior Labour figures have admitted.The investigation into cash-for-honours allegations is damaging politics, senior Labour figures have admitted.
Party chairman Hazel Blears said it was causing a "corrosive cynicism" and constitutional affairs minister Harriet Harman said it was "eroding trust".Party chairman Hazel Blears said it was causing a "corrosive cynicism" and constitutional affairs minister Harriet Harman said it was "eroding trust".
Their comments came as Downing Street revealed that police had twice quizzed Tony Blair as a witness in the affair.Their comments came as Downing Street revealed that police had twice quizzed Tony Blair as a witness in the affair.
Parties have been accused of rewarding donations with honours, but all those questioned have denied any wrongdoing.Parties have been accused of rewarding donations with honours, but all those questioned have denied any wrongdoing.
Ms Blears told BBC News she feared the police inquiry was overshadowing the government's domestic agenda.Ms Blears told BBC News she feared the police inquiry was overshadowing the government's domestic agenda.
The prime minister has been interviewed briefly to clarify points emerging from the ongoing investigation Scotland Yard spokesman Analysis: Pressure on BlairThe prime minister has been interviewed briefly to clarify points emerging from the ongoing investigation Scotland Yard spokesman Analysis: Pressure on Blair
"I want the investigation to be brought to a conclusion as quickly as possible," she said."I want the investigation to be brought to a conclusion as quickly as possible," she said.
"Inevitably when you have this kind of thing going on for months and months it does have a corrosive effect.""Inevitably when you have this kind of thing going on for months and months it does have a corrosive effect."
Mr Blair's second interview with detectives took place last Friday in Downing Street, but was kept secret until Thursday on the request of the police.Mr Blair's second interview with detectives took place last Friday in Downing Street, but was kept secret until Thursday on the request of the police.
He was previously questioned in December and was treated both times as a witness - not a suspect.He was previously questioned in December and was treated both times as a witness - not a suspect.
Labour's chief fundraiser, Lord Levy, and Downing Street aide Ruth Turner have both been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice - although both were released without charge.Labour's chief fundraiser, Lord Levy, and Downing Street aide Ruth Turner have both been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice - although both were released without charge.
It is understood Lord Levy was asked about meetings with senior staff at Downing Street at which he is believed to have discussed honours.It is understood Lord Levy was asked about meetings with senior staff at Downing Street at which he is believed to have discussed honours.
We still don't know the reason for the police's request for confidentiality BBC political editor Nick Robinson Read Nick's thoughts in fullWe still don't know the reason for the police's request for confidentiality BBC political editor Nick Robinson Read Nick's thoughts in full
The inquiry was sparked after it emerged Labour had received secret loans before the 2005 general election from people who were subsequently nominated for peerages.The inquiry was sparked after it emerged Labour had received secret loans before the 2005 general election from people who were subsequently nominated for peerages.
As well as Labour figures being quizzed, police also interviewed ex-Conservative leader Michael Howard.As well as Labour figures being quizzed, police also interviewed ex-Conservative leader Michael Howard.
About 90 people have been interviewed during the inquiry so far. No-one has been charged and all involved deny any wrongdoing.About 90 people have been interviewed during the inquiry so far. No-one has been charged and all involved deny any wrongdoing.
Ms Harman said an elected House of Lords would help end controversies like the cash-for-honours inquiry.
She told BBC Question Time: "I don't think we should be having patronage through the honours system - with or without the money.
"I think it should be elected."