Neil Hamilton defends his actions but apologises nonetheless

Apologies of "Sleaze" MPs Published

Neil Hamilton, Tim Smith, Michael Brown, Sir Michael Grylls and Sir Andrew Bowden had all replied in writing to the report, which was published three weeks ago. Their letters have now been published by the Commons Standards and Privileges Committee.

In his reply Mr Hamilton still challenges the conclusions of the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner, Sir Gordon Downey, who found "compelling" evidence that the ex-minister had received cash payments from the owner of Harrods, Mohamed Al Fayed, in exchange for lobbying services.

Mohamed Al Fayed: gave cash for questions

Mr Hamilton writes that there has been "a travesty of justice", but continues to apologise "sincerely" for his "errors of judgment" in failing to register two commission payments and a short-lived consultancy.

Mr Smith, judged to have taken up to £25,000 in cash from Mr Al Fayed, offers his "sincere apologies" to the Committee - although he takes issue with a number of other points in Sir Gordon's report.

Sir Andrew says he wants to "apologise to the Committee and the House for failing to declare in the Register of Members' Interests the £5,319 cheque" he received from the lobbyist Ian Greer.

Sir Gordon: investigated allegations

In the case of Mr Brown, Sir Gordon concluded that the MP "deliberately and persistently" failed to declare his interest in US Tobacco to ministers. The former MP denies the intention to mislead but accepts that he should have declared his interest.

Mr Brown also accepts that he should have registered a commission received from Ian Greer Associates for introducing US Tobacco as a client. He offers his "deepest apology for this error of judgment on my part".

Sir Michael, who was judged to have "persistently failed" to declare his interests over the House of Fraser, says his actions were not intentional and he is "deeply sorry that I have been, in any way, part of a matter which has damaged the reputation of Parliament".

The committee is still considering its response to the Downey Report and published the former MPs' submissions as memoranda of evidence.