Blair may face probe over Welsh slur

Last updated at 12:44 28 September 2005


A police force is considering whether to investigate Tony Blair over an alleged slur against the Welsh.

Former Downing Street spin doctor Lance Price claimed in his diaries that the Prime Minister repeatedly said "F****** Welsh" while watching the disappointing results of the Welsh Assembly elections in 1999.

The claim was made in a draft version of the diaries, but toned down in the final published version to read: "TB f-ing and blinding about the whole thing."

North Wales Police confirmed today it had received a complaint about the alleged comment and was seeking the advice of the Crown Prosecution Service.

A spokesman said: "A complaint has been received and is being reviewed.

"We will be seeking the advice of the CPS in relation to the content of the statement of complaint."

The CPS is expected to apply standard tests before deciding whether an investigation is viable and worthwhile.

The tests include whether an investigation would be in the public interest, and whether there would be a reasonable chance of conviction.

A Downing Street spokeswoman declined to comment today.

North Wales Police has a history of investigating slurs against the Welsh.

The force spent nearly £4,000 investigating anti-Welsh comments made by TV presenter Anne Robinson when she appeared on comedy show Room 101 in 2001.

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