Meeting of the Parliament 18 February 2026 [Draft]
The key point that I make is that the minute was sent after an independent prosecutor had taken the decision in the case. The minute does not provide an opportunity to influence; it is only information for the protection of the process. It is about informing of a significant development that is entering the public domain, to ensure that the Government is reminded of its legal responsibilities to restrict its comments. It is done as a matter of course, on a case-by-case basis, by the prosecution service and on the judgment of the independent prosecutor.
The figure that Michael Marra mentioned appears on the indictment and was able to be shared. The sharing of that information does not confer any political advantage or lead to a compromise to the case. The statement was limited to a warning of contempt of court and was accompanied by a notification to the media of a preliminary hearing, to support the principles of open justice.
The Crown Office made a statement, which was limited to a warning of contempt of court and was accompanied by a notification to the media of a preliminary hearing to support the principles of open justice, and then my minute was sent after the decision was made by the independent prosecutor in the case. I cannot answer the question more fully than that.