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Written question asked by Lord Lexden (Conservative) on Monday, 22 January 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 February 2024. It was answered by Lord Sharpe of Epsom (Conservative) on Monday, 5 February 2024 on behalf of the Home Office.

Mike Veale

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Lord Sharpe of Epsom on 17 January (HL Deb col 463), when and in what circumstances Mr Mike Veale, former chief constable for Wiltshire, agreed that the manner in which he publicised allegations against Sir Edward Heath was “inappropriate”.

Answer

The reference to Mr Veale agreeing that the manner in which he publicised allegations against Sir Edward Heath was “inappropriate” was paraphrased from articles in The Guardian newspaper on 5 October 2017.

The Guardian reported that ‘, the chief constable, Mike Veale, finally acknowledged it a mistake that tainted the investigation by implying the presumption of guilt’ and ‘Veale apologised for an appeal for complainants to come forward being made outside Heath’s house in August 2015, which critics said would encourage false claims.’

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1796
Session
2023-24
Related items
Sir Edward Heath: Operation Conifer
Wednesday, 17 January 2024
Proceeding contributions
House of Lords
Subjects
Criminal investigation Conduct Heath, Edward Veale, Mike
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk