David Abrahams - Press Release (26 April 2008)

It has been announced that there are no grounds to proceed with a prosecution against David Abrahams with regard to donations made to the Labour Party. During the investigation David gave full and open co-operation to the Police including a voluntary interview conducted with him at his home.

David Abrahams says:

“I am pleased that after thorough enquiries have been made into my donations to the Labour Party I have been exonerated of wrongdoing”.

“From the beginning, my only wish was to make a contribution to the Party with which I have supported and been involved for over 40 years”.

“I feel Parliament should re-examine the Electoral legislation as it is my view that it is wholly inappropriate for the police to have to become involved in these matters, where no fraud or corruption was involved. They should be covered by the civil law.”

“I have been subjected to the most intrusive media investigation and sensationalist speculation that has called into question my personal integrity. I hope that some of those newspapers will reflect on their comments, slur and innuendo about me and apologise for the hurt they have caused.”

“I have been and remain a loyal member of the Labour Party and have supported them at local level in the north east and nationally. In my business affairs I have always tried to do the best to improve the lives of ordinary working people by helping provide jobs and opportunities.”

“I hope now that this period of speculation is over that I can once again fully focus on those things that I do best – getting on with my business and supporting the Labour Party.”

His solicitor, Louis Charalambous, a partner with London law firm Simons Muirhead and Burton, says:

“Mr Abrahams is obviously pleased that the police investigation has now concluded so far as he is concerned. The original story was a politically motivated attack on him and the Labour Party. The Electoral Commission should never have referred the question of donations to the Police. I hope now that my client can be left alone to continue with his affairs and that his privacy is respected.”

Contact: Press Spokesman, David on 07967 008686