Prescott Reprimanded Over Ranch Visit
John Prescott should have anticipated that his visit to the ranch of a super casino bidder in the US would be controversial and problematic, Parliamentary watchdog Sir Philip Mawer said.
The committee on standards and privileges gave the reproach upon releasing its 'verdict' on Prescott, after the reports on his investigation came out.
The committee agreed that the stay on the estate of casino tycoon Philip Anschutz potentially entailed a conflict of interest under the ministerial code and the regulations of MPs' interests.
However, only the Prime Minister can rule on breaches of the code. In light of the ambiguity of the reports, Blair has been advised to introduce an independent body to investigate allegations of breaches in the code.
The committee has pardoned Prescott of disciplinary action, as Prescott has already declared the visit albeit 11 months overdue.
The commission has warned that Prescott's was a 'cautionary tale', noting that he should have had the good sense to think the visit over beforehand, if it "might reasonably be thought" to influence his behavior as a minister.
Prescott said in a statement that he accepted the findings of the committee. Downing Street on the other hand said that it considers the Anschutz-Prescott row "closed". Calls for an independent investigation on the matter have been turned down by Blair.
"It is simply untenable for Mr Blair not to launch an immediate investigation into the clear conflict of interest that has arisen. If he fails to do so, then any remaining shred of integrity that his government has will be in tatters," said shadow culture secretary Hugo Swire.
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