“Unanswered questions” over Zahawi's attempts to silence media through legal threats

The Liberal Democrats have said there remain “serious unanswered questions” over Nadhim Zahawi’s attempts to silence the media and campaigners on the issue of his tax affairs.

Under the Ministerial Code, ministers are supposed to inform the Attorney General before initiating legal proceedings in a personal capacity, including in cases related to potential defamation. 

The Liberal Democrats have called on Rishi Sunak to immediately clarify whether Zahawi  informed the Attorney General before issuing threats of legal action against campaigners and journalists, as well as calling for a broader independent inquiry into the issue.

Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Layla Moran said:

“Rishi Sunak has said nothing at all about Zahawi’s shameful attempts to muzzle journalists and campaigners through threats of legal action. Instead Zahawi has refused to apologise and doubled down by using his resignation letter to attack the media.

“This glaring omission raises serious unanswered questions. Did Zahawi inform the Attorney General of these legal proceedings as he would be required to under the Ministerial Code? And what action is the government taking to prevent Cabinet Ministers behaving in this way in future?

“We need a proper independent inquiry to get to the bottom of this scandal. The whole sorry episode has shown the critical role the media and campaigners play in holding ministers to account. But they never should have had to battle threats of legal action simply for trying to expose the truth.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

The Ministerial Code states that:

7.16 Where Ministers become involved in legal proceedings in a personal capacity, there may be implications for them in their official position. Defamation is an example of an area where proceedings will invariably raise issues for the Minister’s official as well as his or her private position. In all such cases, Ministers should consult the Law Officers in good time and before legal proceedings are initiated so that they may offer guidance on the potential implications and handling of the proceedings.