On Monday The Times reported that No 10 had made an informal complaint about Scotland Yard’s handling of the investigation. The office of Sir Ian Blair, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, received the complaint last week, according to Westminster sources.
Reports at the weekend suggested that No 10 was furious over leaks about the investigation. Downing Street sources are reportedly suggesting that they believe any trial would not now be fair.
Perhaps the No 10 spinners are losing their touch. Or perhaps they are too used to dealing with the Tory party or with recalcitrant backbenchers. In any event, the police are made of sterner stuff and Yates of the Yard refused to be intimidated. Hence yesterday's publication of the now famous letter (here in The Guardian); among other things, this states:
"Before I go into any detail, I thought it appropriate to comment on some of the publicity surrounding this investigation in recent days.
Speculation about the outcome and progress of this inquiry is not something we welcome. It would seem perverse to suggest (as some commentators have) that it is the police inquiry team who are responsible for placing matters in the public domain.
I say this in view of the very significant time invested by us in persuading you and your committee to do precisely the opposite, firmly believing, as we do, that this may undermine the investigation.
I have, however, conducted a further review of our own operational security. I am confident that this remains very tight. This is endorsed by the fact that the major developments in this inquiry are not in the public domain."
I find it distasteful and depressing that the parties to this continuing minuet should feel obliged to conduct their dispute through the media. But I have to admit that it makes for enthralling watching.
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