Tories 'undermining leak inquiry'

Dec 21 2008

Britain's anti-terror chief has accused the Conservatives of trying to undermine his Whitehall leaks inquiry after information was published that he said endangered his family.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick alleged the Tories and their supporters were "mobilised" against the investigation "in a wholly corrupt way".

He said he was forced to arrange for his children to be moved out of his home amid security fears after a newspaper published details about a business run by his wife.

The senior officer told the Press Association: "It is an attempt to undermine an investigation which is legitimate. The Tory machinery and their press friends are mobilised against this investigation in a wholly corrupt way, and I feel very disappointed in the country I am living in."

As head of the Home Office leaks probe, Mr Quick approved the controversial arrest of Conservative frontbencher Damian Green and the raid on his parliamentary office on November 27.

The ensuing row saw opposition MPs make claims of political interference in policing and raise questions about whether officers had abused their powers.

Mr Quick said there had been a series of "entirely untrue" allegations about his inquiry in the national media.

Condemning Sunday's newspaper report, he said: "I think it is a very spiteful act, possibly to intimidate me away from investigating Mr Green, and I feel it has put my family at risk."

Mr Quick said he would consult his solicitor about taking further action.

The Tories argue Mr Green - who denies breaking the law and has not been charged - was simply doing his job in holding the Government to account by releasing information in the public interest. Referring to the business run by Mr Quick's wife, a Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "Any inquiries relating to this company should be referred to the company."