A question raised by Simon Heffer in the Daily Mail, about the length of time it was taking to reach a decision in the Chris Huhne case, has been clarified by Keir Starmer QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, whose letter below was printed in today’s edition of the Daily Mail.
To answer Simon Heffer’s question about Chris Huhne, the CPS is waiting for further evidence to be provided before we are able to make a decision on whether there should be a prosecution. A court order was sought requesting this evidence from a newspaper but is currently being contested by that newspaper. Until this issue is resolved, we cannot make a decision.
It is the role of the CPS to decide whether there is sufficient evidence for a case to go to court - that there is a realistic prospect of conviction – and it is in the public interest. It would be wrong for cases to go to court where there is not enough evidence. Where there is sufficient evidence we do not shy away from prosecuting politicians, as the recent parliamentary expenses cases demonstrate.
Keir Starmer QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, CPS
