Starmer Promises to ‘Listen’ to Inquiry Regarding Tulip Siddiq’s Bangladesh Property Connections
Science Secretary Peter Kyle affirmed that the anti-corruption minister made the correct decision to involve the parliamentary watchdog regarding alleged property irregularities.
The findings of an investigation into anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq will prompt action by the prime minister, as stated by a Cabinet minister.
Peter Kyle, the Science Secretary, praised Siddiq for referring herself to the parliamentary watchdog over allegations published in The Sunday Times and the Financial Times, which suggested she resided in properties associated with her aunt’s allies, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Siddiq, who has represented Hampstead and Highgate in north London since 2015, has referred herself to the independent adviser on ministerial standards Sir Laurie Magnus concerning these accusations.
She is facing scrutiny after reports emerged that she was given an apartment in King’s Cross in 2004 by Abdul Motalif, an associate of members of the Awami League party in Bangladesh.
It is also alleged that she lived in a flat in Hampstead given to her sister by lawyer Moin Ghani, who had ties to the Hasina administration.
In a letter requesting an investigation, Siddiq, who also serves as economic secretary to the Treasury alongside the anti-corruption role, maintained her innocence.
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During an interview on Sky News’ “Sunday Morning” programme, Kyle mentioned that it is crucial to let the authorities conduct the investigation independently. He also emphasized that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will heed the advice of the authorities once the investigation is completed.
Kyle criticized the previous Conservative government’s handling of allegations against Dame Priti Patel, noting that no action was taken despite the findings of guilt. He stated that Starmer’s approach would differ in Siddiq’s case.
Neighbouring MPs
Opposition parties have urged Starmer to dismiss Siddiq, who is his neighboring MP in north London, where the prime minister represents Holborn and St. Pancras.
Shadow chancellor Mel Stride called on Starmer to take action, expressing concerns that it is currently challenging for Siddiq to carry out her duties effectively.
Stride emphasized the necessity for Siddiq to step down given the serious accusations against her, urging the prime minister to address the situation promptly.
Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gestures while speaking to the media, a day after she won the 12th parliamentary elections, in Dhaka on Jan. 8, 2024. Indranil Mukherjee/AFP via Getty Images
Badenoch highlighted that Siddiq’s appointment and the accusations of corruption are concerning, especially with the government of Bangladesh raising issues about her connections to Sheikh Hasina’s regime.
Starmer previously defended Siddiq, affirming that her actions in referring herself for investigation were appropriate and expressing confidence in her.
Bangladeshi leader Muhammad Yunus called for Siddiq to apologize and resign, pointing out the incongruity of being the anti-corruption minister while defending against corruption allegations.
Yunus mentioned that any properties associated with Siddiq that were acquired through unethical means should be investigated and returned to the government.
Exiled to India
Siddiq’s aunt is currently in exile in India after being deposed due to a student-led uprising and allegations of human rights violations against her regime.
The former prime minister is under investigation by an anti-corruption commission in Bangladesh for her involvement in a 2013 deal with Russia regarding a nuclear power plant.
Siddiq denied allegations that she helped broker the deal and was photographed with her aunt and Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2013.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden assured that the allegations against Siddiq would undergo a thorough examination.
McFadden emphasized that empowering the independent advisor with more investigative powers was essential in handling allegations of this nature.
Magnus, appointed by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as the independent ethics tsar, is authorized to recommend sanctions if an MP violates the code of conduct.
Siddiq Denies Wrongdoing
Siddiq refrained from joining Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s trip to China last week to address the accusations against her as pressure to resign mounted.
In her letter to Magnus, Siddiq contested the accuracy of media reports regarding her financial affairs and her family’s ties to the former Bangladeshi government, insisting that she is innocent.
The Labour Party’s connections to the former Bangladeshi regime have also come under scrutiny following the accusations against Siddiq.
Starmer’s visit to Bangladesh, accompanied by other party members, was highlighted by Hasina, reflecting the enduring relationship between the Awami League and the Labour Party.
