Thread by @DanNeidle

#Zahawi update: his lawyers have written to me, denying that HMRC investigated him under COP 9, the procedure for investigating fraud. Since they are in such a helpful mood, I'm optimistic they'll answer some further questions. Full correspondence below:

My email:

The Osborne Clarke reply:

And my response:

I have updated my list of Zahawi questions to reflect the COP 9 answer.

Obvious addition: anyone thinking of sending abusive messages to Ashley should ask themselves some pretty fundamental questions.

I publish Ashley’s name because I believe lawyers engaging in SLAPP should be accountable, to the public and to their other clients.

A response from Zahawi's lawyer:

The last time Ashley suggested I contact Zahawi's press officer, it did not go well:

But I am hopeful this time is different, so:

You can bookmark this thread to catch the reply.

But I probably wouldn't bother.

I'm delighted to say I received a response to my questions. The response says that Mr Zahawi is not going to answer any questions:

https://twitter.com/DanNeidle/status/1617548923643777025?s=20