A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

by **Tony Bennett** 04.07.10 9:05

I have given this a separate thread.

I have this morning sent this e-mail to the Public Enquiries section of the Home Office (all correspondence to the Home Office is filtered through that section).

Lots of letters coming in on the same subject can make an impact.

I would recommend as many others as possible to send a smilar letter to

public.enquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

THE LETTER

TO: public.enquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

Sunday 4 July

8.57am

Dear Home Secretary,

I have read in the Sunday Express that you have exchanged letters with the McCanns and hope to meet them. The Express article also says that you are likely to order a new Scotland Yard investigation in addition to other ongoing investigations into what really happened to Madeleine McCann.

Could you please let me know in writing whether any such re-investigation will actively pursue the line of enquiry mentioned in the interim and final reports of the Portuguese Police that Madeleine may have died in the McCanns' apartment and her body hidden?

Yours sincerely

Tony Bennett
66 Chippingfield
HARLOW
Essex
CM17 0DJ

by **Jill Havern** 04.07.10 9:25

MADDY CASE MAY BE RE-OPENED BY THERESA MAY

Sunday July 4,2010

By James Murray

HOME Secretary Theresa May has asked to meet Kate and Gerry McCann, signalling she intends to tell them she will order a new investigation into their missing daughter Madeleine.

Mrs May wrote to the McCanns last week asking them to come to the Home Office in what is being described as a “positive step” by department officials.

A senior Home Office source said: “The Home Secretary has already exchanged letters with Kate and Gerry about the case and will be meeting them shortly to discuss how the investigation is being taken forward. It would not be appropriate to pre-empt that meeting or give details of the work.”

A new team of detectives, most likely from Scotland Yard, could soon get the mammoth task of raking over all files from Portuguese detectives, police in Leicestershire and private investigators.

Since taking office, Mrs May has taken a close interest in the case. Her predecessor, Labour’s Alan Johnson, last March ordered a costing of a review of evidence and the outline of how a new probe would work into finding out what happened to Madeleine, then three, of Rothley, Leics, who vanished from Praia da Luz on the Algarve in May 2007.

Sources say that Mrs May felt Mr Johnson made the right decision and the internal report is almost complete.

Mr Johnson acted after Jim Gamble, head of the Child Online and Protection Centre, wrote a report for the Home Office analysing police investigations here and in Portugal.

His report, which has not been released publicly, outlines how a new approach could produce new leads.

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/184821/Maddy-case-may-be-re-opened-by-Theresa-May

by Guest 04.07.10 10:06

Panda on MM has made some good points.

Well ,Well,Well,

While the Country is facing stringent economic measures we can afford to spend many thousands of £"s on
the McCann Case, trying to find leads that the Portugese and Leicester Police , Metodo 3, Edgar, etc couldn"t
find. The McCanns should be paying for this, not the British Taxpayer.

And moderator AnnaEsse

Panda, I've just read that George Osborne intends to cut 40% of public spending, including cutting Housing Benefit and making massive cuts in education. The McCanns have squandered around 3 million in donations as well as costing the Portuguese police a small fortune following up thousands of 'sightings'. We learn from Tony Bennett's communication with the Essex police that there is a special unit within CPS and now this!

I am going to retain the hope that this new venture into the murky depths of this case will focus on those involved from the start and not on pouring more energy and money into so-called 'sightings.' If this team is set up, they need to look very closely at what the various private detectives actually did and what they were paid. Metodo 3, for instance, whose detectives have been accused of paying witnesses, stealing cocaine and attempted murder.

And Famous Grouse

I thought that the only people who could "re-open" the case were the PJ.

by ufercoffy 04.07.10 10:13

A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann Whitew10

Wouldn't it be cheaper for the government to create another tin of this specially for the McCanns?

by **Tony Bennett** 04.07.10 10:14

NOTE: The first sentence of this posting has been removed following legal objections to it raised by Mr Stevie Loughrey of Carter-Ruck in a lettter I received from them on 15 July 2010.

We have sent out an appeal to our members and supporters to also write to the Home Secretary and we already have a number of replies.

By the way, the postings on MM about the costing of this further 'investigation' exercise in the light of proposed 40% across-the-board cuts in public spending are IMO very well made.

One of our members composed and in the past few minutes sent this slightly longer letter, worded as follows and with a couple of new and imprtant points being made:

To: The Rt Hon. The Home Secretary, Theresa May MP, PC.

Dear Home Secretary,

An article in today's Sunday Express (4 July 2010) indicates that you have exchanged letters with the McCanns and explicitly says that you hope to meet them. The Express article also says that you are likely to order a new Scotland Yard investigation in addition to other ongoing investigations into what really happened to Madeleine McCann.

You may wish to recall that the McCann parents were and remain suspects in the reported disappearance of their daughter. I would urge you to reconsider your intention to meet them personally as being wholly inappropriate for someone holding your office.

Could you please let me know whether any proposed re-investigation will actively and diligently pursue the line of enquiry mentioned in the interim and final reports of the Portuguese Police, to the effect that Madeleine may have died in the McCanns' apartment and her body may have been hidden or disposed of, either by or with the certain knowledge of the parents ?

Yours sincerely

by **Jill Havern** 04.07.10 11:10

I thought Ian Lister told you in his FOI letter that the investigation is still ongoing?

How can you reopen something that is still ongoing? A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann 234726

A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann 234726

by **Tony Bennett** 04.07.10 12:54

jkh wrote:I thought Ian Lister told you in his FOI letter that the investigation is still ongoing? How can you reopen something that is still ongoing?

Yes, excellent point.

So the next question under FoI Act to the Home Office is:

What will happen to the current investigation if Scotland Yard open up a new investigation?

by **Tony Bennett** 04.07.10 13:04

Here's another letter that one of our lady supporters has been brave enough to send to her M.P.:

Dear [withheld] M.P,

Firstly, belated congratulations on your re-election and on your new appointment.

I write again on the subject of Madeleine McCann.

It is reported in today's Sunday Express that the Home Secretary intends to meet the McCanns personally, as well as to order a 're-investigation' into the disappearance of Madeleine.

I feel I do need to point out again that the McCanns are in the view of the investigating authorities in Portugal the principal suspects in the possible disposal of the body of their daughter.

If that were to be true, then the Find Madeleine Fund would be fraudulent, and Clarence Mitchell, David Edgar, Jim Gamble, and Carter-Ruck would be complicit in perverting the course of justice and so on.

For a Home Secretary in person to meet suspects in a criminal case is, I would humbly suggest, a course of action which in time she might regret. One which might prove to be a career changing decision.

I wonder therefore if you might consider speaking to your colleague, as someone who has held that high office, about the advisability of getting so closely involved.

Yours sincerely,

[withheld]

by **Tony Bennett** 04.07.10 13:52

Well, the letters are getting longer and more insistent. Here's another, from one of our members:

To: The Rt Hon. The Home Secretary, Theresa May MP, PC.

Dear Home Secretary

I am very concerned over an article that appears in today`s (July 4 2010) Sunday Express which claims that you intend to meet with the parents of Madeleine McCann following an exchange of correspondence with them. The article also claims that there are intentions for a New Scotland Yard enquiry.

Firstly, may I bring to your attention the fact that the McCanns are two of the the three prime suspects in this case and that there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that Madeleine McCann was abducted, but yet there is much evidence to contrary.

I am fully aware that the case was shelved and that 'arguido' statuses were lifted, but we are also told that this was 'not a declaration of innocence', as reported in the UK media. I find the activities of the Home Secretary meeting with the suspects in a case highly inappropriate.

Also, there are many other children and adults missing from the UK. It is very concerning that the Madeleine McCann case seems to have been singled out and is in receipt of preferential treatment from the government. Is there a reason for this? Please let me know.

Secondly, I am equally concerned about your intention to order a New Scotland Yard investigation, not merely because of the fact that the costs will be met by the taxpayer, but also because of the immense public interest in the case, the failure of the UK media to report fairly on the case and the fact that we are constantly being fed the abduction theory when we know too well that there is no evidence of the alleged abduction, a theory that was proven as virtually impossible by the Portuguese police.

Contrary to this, we have the thesis of the Portuguese police which points to the death of Madeleine in her parents apartment, a theory which is supported by much evidence which can be found in the original police files, now made public and available on the internet.

Please confirm that any new enquiry willl focus on all possibilities including abduction and also the theory as reported in the interim and final statements of the Portuguese Police, which states that Madeleine may have died in the McCanns' apartment.

In the interest of the general public, those who may have donated to the McCanns fund, and those who had signed the petitions for both a review of the role of the Leicestershire police in this case and an official re-opening of the case in Portugal, could I please ask that you review the attached correspondence which was originally submitted to Gordon Brown in support of the former petition and let me know whether or not it is now possible, since the new investigation would be addressed by British police, that there could be a review of the role of Leicestershire police, and also an investigation into Dr David Payne following the allegations against him in the statements of the Drs Gaspar (inc. in attachment).

I assume that both issues would be dealt with under the new enquiry if that enquiry was to be fair and unbiased. If there is to be no investigation into these two points, please would you explain fully why you feel that no investigation would be necessary.

Given the magnitude of this case and the immense public interest, despite the cost, I would strongly recommend a full and proper public enquiry.

To summarise:

1. It is highly innappropriate for the Home Secretary to be in any correspondence with the suspects in a case

2. Madeleine McCann is not the UK`s only missing child - why the preferential treatment?

3. Any review of the case should follow all lines of enquiry including and especially that of the official police reports

4. Since there is great public interest and concern, any enquiry should be a full public enquiry

5. The UK Media should be reporting fairly on this case

6. Now that there is a possible investigation into this case by the British police, I assume that Leicestershire Police and Dr David Payne will be properly investigated.

I look forward to your response to all my points in the near future

Yours sincerely

by kangdang 04.07.10 15:52

I believe that this latest move is the final phase in ensuring that what really happened to Madeleine McCann is never publicly known. We all know that investigations to date have had to be conducted under the T & C's of McCann and a number of establishment others. Snr. Amaral's removal from the case serves to highlight this point. The propsed investigation is indeed a white wash.

by kangdang 04.07.10 15:57

BTW the DM are running with this story with an open comments section

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1291889/Kate-Gerry-McCann-meet-Home-Secretary-Theresa-May-discuss-Maddie-case.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Six comments thus far -

Good! Don't ever give up on Maddie until you know what has
happend to her! If it would be my daughter I would not rest until I know.

- Lalla, Switzerland, 04/7/2010 15:19Click to rate

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Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee give it a rest, this government goes
on about cuts and so far so much money has been spent on this family to no avail
that this is a prime example of one that no more public money should be wasted
on.

- David, Dunmow, 04/7/2010 15:17Click to rate

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No NO No, I'm sorry but enough has been done, there is no
other things that can be done. Stop this witch hunt !

- Rob Hancocks, Andover, Hant's, 04/7/2010 15:15Click to rate

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My heart breaks for whatever that poor little girl has
suffered, or is continuing to suffer.

- R, Wales, 04/7/2010 15:14Click to rate

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Yes and every other case of missing kids whos parents do
not have the finances to influence or seek their childrens wherabouts..As hard
as it is to lose ones own children, these parents left their kids on their own,
and for this they will never forgive themselves. And why should they have access
to the Home Secretary, why should they be given attention or priority when all
the other parents do not have the benefit to do so.......Perhaps Theresa May,
will explain why there is a priority in this case against all others........

- BRONCO LINCOLN, BRITISH ISLES, 04/7/2010 15:07Click to rate

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If she does this she must re open any other missing
persons file.

- Millie, Wales, 04/7/2010 15:00Click to rate

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Mine has yet to make it!

by **Tony Bennett** 04.07.10 16:05

kangdang wrote:I believe that this latest move is the final phase in ensuring that what really happened to Madeleine McCann is never publicly known. We all know that investigations to date have had to be conducted under the T & C's of McCann and a number of establishment others. Snr. Amaral's removal from the case serves to highlight this point. The proposed investigation is indeed a white wash.

kangdang wrote earler: I think the proposals of a new investigation are just that...A white wash...I am afraid that this is the final phase in ensuring that what really happened to little Madeleine McCann is never publicly known.

Which could be correct and is precisely why maximum protest should be made to the Home Office right now.

Here's another comment just received [reproduced verbatim] from one of our more perceptive posters:

QUOTE

Thank you Tony. It seems to me that there were enough leads and unfinished enquiries for the Portuguese to continue the investigation,but the political will wasn't there, because of the pressure, which was wrong of course.

This still leaves the evidence which put the McCanns under suspicion, and the case unresolved. This must not be swept under the carpet by any new investigation (hence your letter of course).

The sticking point for any whitewash could be that it must be protocol to include the PJ fully, whose jurisdiction it is, in any British investigation. I wonder whether Goncalo Amaral could be an assistant (witness) in this?After all, he has a long fine career, and was taken of the case only for being undiplomatic wasn't he?

UNQUOTE

by **Tony Bennett** 04.07.10 16:10

Today's developments have led me to send the letter below to Ian Lister, the Freedom of Information Officer at the Home Office:

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dear Mr Lister

I write to draw your attention to two media reports today on the case of Madeleine McCann, one in the 'Sunday Express' and another by the Press Association, released about 1.00-pm this afternoon.

I reproduce both, in full, below, and then make certain points relating to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 questions I asked on Friday 19 March, 71 working days ago, and to which no answers have yet been provided despite the maximum normal period allowed for responses being 20 working days.

Here are the two press reports:

++++++++++

MADDY CASE MAY BE RE-OPENED BY THERESA MAY

Maddy's case may be re-opened by new home secretary Theresa May
Sunday July 4,2010

By James Murray

HOME Secretary Theresa May has asked to meet Kate and Gerry McCann, signalling she intends to tell them she will order a new investigation into their missing daughter Madeleine.

Mrs May wrote to the McCanns last week asking them to come to the Home Office in what is being described as a “positive step” by department officials.

A senior Home Office source said: “The Home Secretary has already exchanged letters with Kate and Gerry about the case and will be meeting them shortly to discuss how the investigation is being taken forward. It would not be appropriate to pre-empt that meeting or give details of the work.”

A new team of detectives, most likely from Scotland Yard, could soon get the mammoth task of raking over all files from Portuguese detectives, police in Leicestershire and private investigators.

Since taking office, Mrs May has taken a close interest in the case. Her predecessor, Labour’s Alan Johnson, last March ordered a costing of a review of evidence and the outline of how a new probe would work into finding out what happened to Madeleine, then three, of Rothley, Leics, who vanished from Praia da Luz on the Algarve in May 2007.

Sources say that Mrs May felt Mr Johnson made the right decision and the internal report is almost complete.

Mr Johnson acted after Jim Gamble, head of the Child Online and Protection Centre, wrote a report for the Home Office analysing police investigations here and in Portugal.

His report, which has not been released publicly, outlines how a new approach could produce new leads.

++++++++++

The Press Association

McCanns set to meet Home Secretary

Home Secretary Theresa May will meet with Kate and Gerry McCann to discuss how the search for their missing daughter Madeleine is progressing, the Home Office said.

The meeting is being arranged following an exchange of letters between the couple and Mrs May in which the McCanns asked to see her, a Home Office spokesman said.

Details of the meeting are still being confirmed, he added.

The couple, from Rothley, Leicestershire, want a review of all the information in the hands of the British and Portuguese authorities.

But the Metropolitan Police said it had no plans to reopen the investigation.

Madeleine was nearly four when she went missing from her family's holiday flat in Praia da Luz in the Algarve, Portugal, on the night of May 3 2007 as her parents dined with friends nearby.

Despite a massive police investigation and huge publicity worldwide, the little girl has still not been found.

++++++++++

There is a clear pattern here of vital information, of very significant public interest, being released to the press by certain persons. It has nearly always been by 'a source close to the McCanns' or 'a McCann family friend' etc. and the source is never named. With such goings-on, and where a government department funded by the taxpayer is not only directly involved but very significantly involved, it is vital that the Home Office discloses information about its activities. That, after all, is what the Freedom of Information Act is all about, and as I have written earlier, the new Coalition government has resolutely set its face against the culture of Whitehall secrecy which has prevailed until now.

In the above two press stories are to be found a great many factual claims.

These may be conveniently be summarised as follows:

1. Dr Gerald and Dr Kate McCann have written a letter to Theresa May, Home Secretary.

2. Theresa May, Home Secretary, has written a letter to Dr Gerald and Dr Kate McCann.

3. Theresa may would like to meet the McCanns.

4. A senior office source [unnamed] has spoken to someone representing the Sunday Express.

5. The McCanns will shortly be meeting the Home Secretary.

6. The Home Secretary would like to tal to the McCanns about 'how the investigation is being taken forward'.

7. A new team of detectives, possibly from Scotland Yard, could begin a new investigation into what really happened to Madeleine McCann.

8. Theresa May has taken 'a close interest' in the case since being appointed Home Secretary.

9. In March former Home Secretary Alan Johnson ordered a 'costing exercise' to be carried out.

10. At some time [March or later] Mr Johnson ordered in effect some new kind of feasibility study to be undertaken into 'how a new investigation could work'.

11. An internal report is 'almost complete'.

12. Jim Gamble was indeed commissioned to write a report.

13. Jim Gamble has concluded his report.

14. Jim Gamble's report explains how new leads could be produced by a new investigation.

14. The McCanns want a review of all the information held by both the British and Portuguese police.

15. The Metropolitan Police has no plans to begin a new investigation [which means nothing as they may be told to carry out one tomorrow or at any time in the future].

It is clear from the above that there is a huge amount of activity in the Home Office around the Madeleine McCann case. As these two reports show, there is continued strong media and public interest in the case of Madeleine's disappearance.

A Home Office source is even, it seems, prepared to speak anonymously to the police.

I reiterate my request for an immediate answer to the questions I first asked 71 working days ago, and also, as soon as possible, to the more recent six questions I asked.

In your e-mail to me dated 17 June, you referred to an 'ongoing investigation'. Yet today's press reports speak clearly of a 'new investigation'.

It's inevitable that given the worldwide media coverage of the case and continuing concern as to the direction of the various enquiries to date, that the public will want to know precisely what the Home Office is doing and why. It is exceptionally rare, indeed I would say totally unprecedented, for the Home Office to involve itself to such a huge extent in what you said in your e-mail amounts to an existing criminal investigation into a serious crime against a 3-year-old British girl.

In submission, the Home Office must fulfil its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act, which are surely much heightened by the undoubtedly huge public interest in this case, which you very fairly conceded does exist. The Home Office must disclose all that it reasonably can about its actions, its meetings with and letters to and from the McCanns, and so on. This especially so when we have two reports from the Portuguese Police which explicitly acknowledge the possibility that Madeleine McCann died in the McCanns' apartment, notwoithstanding the fact that they were unable to come up with sufficient evidence to charge anyone.

I trust I may have the answers I seek without further delay.

Tony Bennett
66 Chippingfield
HARLOW
Essex
CM17 0DJ

by kary 04.07.10 16:12

Tony Bennett wrote:
kangdang wrote:I believe that this latest move is the final phase in ensuring that what really happened to Madeleine McCann is never publicly known. We all know that investigations to date have had to be conducted under the T & C's of McCann and a number of establishment others. Snr. Amaral's removal from the case serves to highlight this point. The proposed investigation is indeed a white wash.

kangdang wrote earler: I think the proposals of a new investigation are just that...A white wash...I am afraid that this is the final phase in ensuring that what really happened to little Madeleine McCann is never publicly known.
Which could be correct and is precisely why maximum protest should be made to the Home Office right now.

Here's another comment just received [reproduced verbatim] from one of our more perceptive posters:

QUOTE

Thank you Tony. It seems to me that there were enough leads and unfinished enquiries for the Portuguese to continue the investigation,but the political will wasn't there, because of the pressure, which was wrong of course.

This still leaves the evidence which put the McCanns under suspicion, and the case unresolved. This must not be swept under the carpet by any new investigation (hence your letter of course).

The sticking point for any whitewash could be that it must be protocol to include the PJ fully, whose jurisdiction it is, in any British investigation. I wonder whether Goncalo Amaral could be an assistant (witness) in this?After all, he has a long fine career, and was taken of the case only for being undiplomatic wasn't he?

UNQUOTE

Thanks Tony, I think I understand now - previously you were posting in Kangdang's post by editing it.

by **Tony Bennett** 04.07.10 16:20

kary wrote:Thanks Tony, I think I understand now - previously you were posting in kangdang's post by editing it.

Yes. Although I would not normally reveal the content of 'pm's, I can disclose that I have had a 'pm' from 'kandang' calling me a 'donut' for doing so.

I have accepted this description, she has I believe completely forgiven me, and I'm glad she's reposted her message as I think it injects a proper note of urgency into the current situation. We need to act now in the interests of finding out more about what really happened to Madeleine McCann, and not allowing the powers-that-be to close all this down for good.

by **Jill Havern** 04.07.10 16:35

Also being reported on BBC

Parents of Madeleine McCann to meet home secretary

Page last updated at 14:33 GMT, Sunday, 4 July 2010 15:33 UK

The parents of missing Madeleine McCann are to meet the home secretary to discuss the search for their daughter.
The meeting has been arranged after an exchange of letters between Kate and Gerry McCann and Theresa May.
Madeleine went missing from a holiday flat in Praia da Luz on the Algarve in May 2007, aged three.
The McCanns want to discuss progress of the search for Madeleine and want a review of information in the hands of the British and Portuguese authorities.
A Home Office spokesman said details of the meeting were still being confirmed.
The Metropolitan Police has said there are no plans to reopen the investigation.
Madeleine, from Rothley in Leicestershire, has still not been found despite worldwide publicity.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicester/10502235.stm

by **Tony Bennett** 04.07.10 16:39

jkh wrote:Also being reported on BBC

Parents of Madeleine McCann to meet home secretary

Page last updated at 14:33 GMT, Sunday, 4 July 2010 15:33 UK

The parents of missing Madeleine McCann are to meet the home secretary to discuss the search for their daughter.
The meeting has been arranged after an exchange of letters between Kate and Gerry McCann and Theresa May.
Madeleine went missing from a holiday flat in Praia da Luz on the Algarve in May 2007, aged three.
The McCanns want to discuss progress of the search for Madeleine and want a review of information in the hands of the British and Portuguese authorities.
A Home Office spokesman said details of the meeting were still being confirmed.
The Metropolitan Police has said there are no plans to reopen the investigation.
Madeleine, from Rothley in Leicestershire, has still not been found despite worldwide publicity.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicester/10502235.stm

Events are moving surprisingly quickly!

Only this morning the meeting was 'going to be arranged'.

Now the BBC says it has been arranged!

I hope everyone is telling the truth?

by pennylane 05.07.10 8:49

Theresa May has followed on from a disgraced predecessor. I wonder if she is loathe to start her new position being linked too deeply with the 'disappearance' of a dubious pair's child. Hopefully she will not allow the McCanns to use her name in order to make themselves look legit, as per their usual MO.

Of course, this is probably all part of the wider agenda as you say, and she is no doubt nicely placed to do her bit for those who gave her the top job! A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann 234628

A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann 234628

by pennylane 05.07.10 14:28

Theresa May has followed on from a disgraced predecessor. I wonder if
she is loathe to start her new position being linked to a dubious pair whose child mysteriously 'disappeared'. Hopefully she will not
allow the McCanns to use her name in order to make themselves look
legit, as per their usual MO.

Of course, this is probably all
part of the wider agenda as you say, and she is no doubt nicely placed
to do her bit for those who gave her the top job! A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann 234628

('Scuse folks, just realised that my sentence was not well-constructed, so have changed it.)

by MR.D 05.07.10 19:59

All Public Sector workers have been asked to submit ideas for saving money, reducing waste and improving efficiency. This consultation exercise will be open to the public later this week.

Another opportunity to express the view that a review of evidence as suggested in the media is not a good use of taxpayers funds.

I do know of one Civil Servant who is submitting such a suggestion.

by **Tony Bennett** 20.07.10 17:47

One of our members has had this reply:

Direct Communications Unit
2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF
Switchboard 020 7035 4848 Fax: 020 7035 4745 Textphone: 020 7035 4742
E-mail: public.enquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk Website: www.homeoffice.gov.uk

Reference: T12044/10

20 July, 2010

Dear {withheld]

Thank you for your e-mail of 04/07/2010 addressed to the Home Secretary with your views on the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Your letter has been passed to me for a response.

I can confirm that Mr and Mrs McCann have written to the Home Secretary asking for a meeting to which she has agreed.

The Government's primary concern in this matter is the well being of Madeleine McCann, and to ensure that everything feasible is being done to progress the search for her. Given that Madeleine disappeared in Portugal, the Portuguese police retain the lead in this case. The British authorities will however, continue to liaise with the Portuguese as necessary on any developments. As a retired police officer, I am sure you will appreciate that it would be inappropriate to comment on specific details of this case while Madeleine remains missing.

Yours sincerely,

Linda Robinson

by aiyoyo 20.07.10 18:03

Tony Bennett wrote:One of our members has had this reply:

Direct Communications Unit
2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF
Switchboard 020 7035 4848 Fax: 020 7035 4745 Textphone: 020 7035 4742
E-mail: public.enquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk Website: www.homeoffice.gov.uk

Reference: T12044/10

20 July, 2010

Dear {withheld]

Thank you for your e-mail of 04/07/2010 addressed to the Home Secretary with your views on the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Your letter has been passed to me for a response.

I can confirm that Mr and Mrs McCann have written to the Home Secretary asking for a meeting to which she has agreed.

The Government's primary concern in this matter is the well being of Madeleine McCann, and to ensure that everything feasible is being done to progress the search for her. Given that Madeleine disappeared in Portugal, the Portuguese police retain the lead in this case. The British authorities will however, continue to liaise with the Portuguese as necessary on any developments. As a retired police officer, I am sure you will appreciate that it would be inappropriate to comment on specific details of this case while Madeleine remains missing.

Yours sincerely,

Linda Robinson

So the letter been passed from Home Office to a retired police officer to reply? How strange!
So would Linda Robinson be ex LP?

So it seems from the reply they are still searching for her?

by littlepixie 20.07.10 18:12

"The well-being of Madeleine McCann" - so the dog alerts, the blood being found in their apartment and their car, the contradictory DNA results and the testimony of those in Court who stated they believed Madeleine was dead is just being brushed under the carpet.

At least she said she was "missing" not abducted.

by Judge Mental 20.07.10 18:26

''The Government's primary concern in this matter is the well being of Madeleine McCann, and to ensure that everything feasible is being done to progress the search for her.''

This sentence is more than indication that whomever constructed this letter is totally disbelieving of all the results of the Portuguese and British investigations which brought the leading officers and at a later date, the leading police dogs, to conclude that Madeleine was already dead by the time her parents and their friends declared that she had been abducted on May 3rd 2007.

by **Tony Bennett** 20.07.10 18:35

aiyoyo wrote:
Tony Bennett wrote:One of our members has had this reply:
"As a retired police officer, I am sure you will appreciate that it would be inappropriate to comment on specific details of this case while Madeleine remains missing.

Yours sincerely, Linda Robinson

So the letter been passed from Home Office to a retired police officer to reply? How strange! So would Linda Robinson be ex LP?

You've misunderstood, though the poor wording of the letter didn't hlep you.

She was referring to the writer of the letter being a retired police officer.

by aiyoyo 20.07.10 19:33

HA, I see!

by pennylane 20.07.10 20:16

Well at least that letter has been personalised - even if it does confirm the worst.

A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Letters already being sent

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Two investigations? Or one?

Another letter goes in to the heart of government on the subject of Madeleine McCann.

Another letter to the Home Secretary

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

A further letter to Ian Lister

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Content of a 'pm' revealed

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Wasting taxpayers money!

Reply from Home Office

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Re: A short letter to Theresa May about her proposed re-investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann