William Hague

In June 2013, the British government had not decided to send lethal weapons and was primarily providing non-lethal equipment. Nevertheless, Hague's statements triggered considerable controversy in Parliament, within the coalition and among Conservatives over the ability to control recipients and the risk of escalation. The record does not claim that the United Kingdom actually delivered the weapons then under consideration.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

The government reviewed export licences and revoked several for Bahrain, Libya, Syria and other destinations. Before the relevant committee, Hague maintained that Saudi forces in Bahrain were using vehicles to guard facilities rather than suppress unrest, a position disputed by arms trade critics. No finding of a personal breach of export law is retained.

State of the evidence

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Attribution

Political responsibility

Ecuador had granted diplomatic asylum to Assange, who was wanted in the United Kingdom for extradition to Sweden following allegations of sexual offences that he denied. The Foreign Office cited the Diplomatic and Consular Premises Act 1987; Ecuador regarded this as a threat to the inviolability of its embassy. Hague maintained that the United Kingdom was merely setting out its legal position and had to fulfil its extradition obligations. The embassy was not stormed.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

The mission was widely described as a diplomatic fiasco and embarrassed the United Kingdom at the beginning of the Libyan crisis. Hague explained that the team had encountered a 'serious misunderstanding' and had subsequently left the country. He confirmed that he had authorised the mission and accepted responsibility before MPs.

State of the evidence

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Attribution

Political responsibility

The official report quantified the overpayment as £308.91 for 2005-06 and £292.23 for 2006-07, totalling £601.14, and recorded a nil balance after repayment. The event is treated as an official expenses correction, not criminal fraud.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The more substantiated questions concerned Myers's experience, the number of special advisers and his absence from an initial public list for administrative timing reasons. Rumours about sexuality or an affair were not established and are retained solely as explicitly denied allegations. Cameron gave Hague his full support.

Documents showed that cheques had been directed towards the proposed arrangement but that the trust structure had never been completed. The Commissioner found an inaccurate entry made in good faith and found no evidence of improper use of the fees. Following correction, the Committee recommended no further action.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The speech primarily concerned the euro, European integration and a perceived loss of control. The phrase, used during a campaign seeking to mobilise Eurosceptic voters, prompted accusations of exploiting fears about national identity. Hague was defending a conception of national sovereignty rather than conveying an explicitly racial message.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Hague used the gym for judo sessions and paid for his own instructor and equipment. He sought advice and registered the benefit when the issue arose. The upheld complaint concerned his earlier failure to declare access to the gym, not an allegation of unlawful payment or corruption.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated