Britain's attorney-general obtained an injunction Friday to prevent the BBC from broadcasting fresh allegations in the cash-for-honors investigation.

Lord Goldsmith, the attorney-general, obtained the injunction to stop the BBC from proceeding with a news story for the 10 O'Clock News after a two-hour hearing in chambers at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, according to the Guardian newspaper.

The injunction was requested by police probing allegations that honors were given in exchange for loans to the Labour or Conservative parties.

The BBC said in a statement on the night that its report was a "legitimate matter of public interest."

The cash-for-honors inquiry was sparked in March 2006 by complaints to the Metropolitan police by MPs from among others, the Scottish National Party, that honors appeared to have been offered in return for financial support to the major parties.

A spokesman for the attorney-general said the move was taken in response to a request from the Metropolitan police.

Lord Goldsmith was acting independently of the government in seeking the injunction, the spokesman added.

The Metropolitan police issued a statement identical to that made by the attorney general's office.

Inquiries have focused on loans totaling tens of millions of pounds (tens of millions of U.S. dollars) used to bankroll the Labor and Conservative campaigns for the 2005 general election.

So far, four people have been arrested in connection with the inquiry: Tony Blair's top fundraiser, Lord Levy; Downing Street aide Ruth Turner; biotech boss Sir Christopher Evans and former headteacher Des Smith; but there have been no charges.

Blair has been interviewed twice by police, both times as a witness, not a suspect, and not under caution.

Source: Xinhua