Politicians call for DPP to reverse decision not to prosecute Lord Janner over alleged child abuse

Senior politicians have called on the director of public prosecutions to reverse her decision that it was not in the public interest to pursue

Lord Janner of Braunstone QC in respect of child abuse allegations.

Eleven figures from seven parties have written to The Times to say that Alison Saunders’ decision is “damaging public confidence” in the criminal justice system.

The letter states: “Have we learnt anything from the mistakes of the past?”

“As long as justice is not seen to be done and the greater public interest is not served, the public will see attempts to investigate establishment figures involved in historic child abuse as a whitewash.”

Ms Saunders said last week that Lord Janner, who suffers from dementia, would not be prosecuted for 22 offences in regards to nine alleged victims between the 1960s and 1980s.

The police are already considering a legal challenge to the decision, which has been widely questioned by both politicians and lawyers.

The former director of public prosecutions, Lord Macdonald of River Glaven criticised the decision, saying a court hearing should take place to determine whether Lord Janner is fit to stand trial.

In addition, Linda Lee, a former president of the Law Society said that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had failed in its duty to prosecute those suspected of wrongdoing.

She said: “Alison Saunders may well be right that Lord Janner is not fit to stand trial but it should not be a matter for her to decide.

“The matter should be brought before the courts so that the evidence may be tested in accordance with the law.

“This case clearly demonstrates why victims of abuse feel let down by the system. For years they were denied access to the courts by unaccountable public servants.

“Even now when it is accepted that there is sufficient evidence to charge they are once again refused that first step of a hearing to decide whether or not Lord Janner is competent to stand trial.”

Leicestershire police, in a separate development, told The Times they were concerned attempts were being made by a barrister to influence their investigation into Lord Janner as well as other suspects.

A spokesman for the force said: “We are aware of this barrister and had concerns but were assured the CPS were dealing with this matter.”

But the CPS has said there were no attempts made to influence Ms Saunders’ decision.

A CPS spokesman said: “The DPP was not unduly influenced by anyone when making this decision.

“As head of the CPS — an independent prosecuting authority — the DPP is used to making difficult decisions and will continue to do so independently.

“The DPP understands concern over inaction against those in positions of power in the past, which is why she has recognised our past failings publicly and initiated an independent review of previous handling of the case.”

Ms Saunders took advice from a number of barristers before making her decision, including Eleanor Laws QC, who recommended that Lord Janner be charged.

Clare Montgomery QC was also consulted but the CPS has not revealed the advice she gave.