Liberal Democrats call for Police enquiry into Labour Party donations

9.30.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 30th Nov 2007

The Liberal Democrats have formally urged the police to investigate apparent "serious breaches" of party funding laws by Labour. Acting leader Vincent Cable said in a statement that it was essential to "establish the facts" and press charges if necessary. Gordon Brown has said donations made to Labour through intermediaries were unlawful and has announced an inquiry. But when asked in prime minister's questions as to why he had not called in the police, he said he had followed convention in referring the matter to the Electoral Commission.

Vince Cable said "At first sight it appears that there may have been serious breaches of the law in relation to senior figures in the Labour Party accepting proxy donations from David Abrahams. It is essential to establish the facts in this case, and for anyone who has broken the law to face the consequences of their actions. We therefore believe that the police should investigate this matter fully and the Crown Prosecution Service should make an assessment as to whether charges should be brought against those individuals who are implicated in what looks like criminal behaviour."