Sir Malcolm Rifkind: 'Cash for access' allegations 'unfounded'

Sir Malcolm Rifkind and Jack Straw, both former foreign secretaries: Sir Malcolm for a Conservative government and Jack Straw for Labour, deny any wrongdoing in 'cash for access' allegations.

Both stand accused of having offered to use their positions as politicians on behalf of a fictitious Chinese company in new wrongdoing allegations, arising from a joint investigation by the Daily Telegraph and Channel 4's Dispatches.

Sir Malcolm said the conversation was 'taken out of context' and he will fight the allegations.

“I will give you an absolute direct answer, first of all these are very serious allegations, they are unfounded, and I am going to fight them with all my strength,” said Sir Malcolm.

The MPs have referred themselves to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.