Willie Nagel
Willie Nagel is an Israeli international diamond merchant who has been a large political funder of Labour and Conservative candidates, political events and think tanks. In 2007, he was the main funder for Peter Hain's campaign for the Labour deputy leadership.[1] This took the form of a £5,000 donation and £25,000 loan which was channelled through the myserious Progressive Policy Forum[2]. It is claimed that Nagel did not know that his donation and loan had gone to Hain[3].
Nagel is reported to have 'sent 20,000 to John Major's Conservative constituency association' (sometime around 1997). Whilst he had no connection to the constituency he was however then invited to 'go on a prestigious trade mission to Israel and Jordan with the prime minister'[4].
The Independent states that Nagel 'has a history of trying to influence politicians'. As well as having donated £20,000 to John Major's Conservative constituency association and his subsequent invitation to Israel and Jordan, the Independent claims to have leaked correspondence which shows that Nagel 'attempted to interest Mr Major in an unmanned aircraft developed by Israel, even though there was an arms embargo for Israeli equipment at the time' [5].
Contents
Affiliations
- Progressive Policy Forum – funder
- Labour Friends of Israel - Funder
- Nagel is described as being the owner of lobbying company Punchlines[6]
Contact, References and Resources
Contact
Resources
References
- ↑ Ben Russell, The diamond dealer whose donations have proved awkward for both parties, The Independent, 17 January 2008.
- ↑ Brady, B. (2008) 'I've done nothing wrong,' Peter Hain insists, as he battles for his political lifeThe Independent 13th January 2008. Accessed 4th April 2008
- ↑ Pierce, A. (2008) 'Why he fell Spending spree that sent Hain's career into a tailspin' The Daily Telegraph. 25th January 2008.
- ↑ Guardian Unlimited 'Absurd' Hain called on to resign'. January 14th 2008
- ↑ Smith, A.W. (2008) 'Frankly, I don't believe a word Peter Hain says'. The The Independent. 14th January 2008
- ↑ Smith, A.W. (2008) 'Frankly, I don't believe a word Peter Hain says'. The The Independent. 14th January 2008
