Jowell has history of moneylaundering

Antony Barnett, investigations editor, Sunday August 7, 2005, The Observer

"Dramatic new evidence about the close relationship between ministers and some of the most senior figures in US gambling, who were planning to build Las Vegas-style super casinos across Britain, can be revealed today.

Documents obtained by The Observer reveal how the Department for Culture, Media and Sport pressed the Treasury to change rules on money laundering to help US gambling corporations. They also show that ministers and department officials held meetings with senior casino officials behind closed doors in Las Vegas, South Africa and France as well as the UK.

The disclosures raise serious questions about statements denying any move on money laundering given to the Commons by the Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell. The Conservatives have accused Jowell of misleading parliament and have written to her demanding an explanation.

In the Commons last November, Jowell dismissed Tory claims that her department had been in any discussions with casino groups about money laundering laws.

Two days later, during Prime Minister's Questions, Michael Howard pressed Tony Blair over the issue. The Prime Minister said claims that casinos had been offered special concessions were 'ridiculous'.

The Observer has obtained a briefing note sent in May 2004 from culture department official Richard Beston to culture minister Lord McIntosh, who was in charge of the bill. This reveals that discussions about easing the rules on money laundering did take place between ministers and casino bosses and that Jowell's department tried to get the Treasury to give casino groups special exemptions.

The note, released under the Freedom of Information Act, was sent ahead of a meeting with MGM's European boss, Lloyd Nathan, at the House of Lords.

etc., etc.,

Curiously the Sunday Times reported in October 2005 that Mr Nathan met Lord Levy, major Labour fund raiser. Which is not surprrsing as Mr Nathan;s son is a friend of Lord Levy's son. It just shows what a small world it is when you start mixing csino owners, Labour MP's and peers.

There is also some tosh about Jowell also having a drink problem , paying off the drinks industry with 24 hour drinking to compensate for the smoking ban in public places.... what nonsense !

.... and swinging parties at the Warwickshire party palace ... phooooey no truth whatsoever.

Miss Jowell is of course a Privy Counsellor.