Investigation launched into 'Nazi' themed party

A formal investigation has been launched into a Nazi-themed party attended by Staffordshire MP Aidan Burley, French prosecutors have announced.

They launched a preliminary inquiry into the stag do after the Cannock Chase MP and 12 of his friends were filmed partying at a luxury resort on the Alps. Prosecutor Patrick Quincy has now confirmed a full inquiry will be carried out.

One guest allegedly dressed in an SS uniform while other members are said to have chanted Nazi slogans and Mr Quincy revealed they could face serious charges.

"The investigation will focus on charges of defending war crimes or crimes against humanity, promoting racial hatred, wearing the uniform of an organisation that carried out crimes against humanity and making racist insults," he said.

Mr Burley does not believe he is "the focus" of the probe and insists he did not break any French law.

He lost his job as a parliamentary private secretary to the Transport Secretary after reports of the party.

Labour MP Ian Austin today repeated previous calls for Prime Minister David Cameron to expel Mr Burley from the party.

Bosses at La Fondue restaurant filed a criminal complaint when the video footage emerged, sparking the preliminary investigation. Mr Burley initially declined to comment but later broke his silence in the Express & Star.

He apologised for the "terrible offence" he caused.

He said he has since been trying to rebuild his reputation in his constituency.

The Tory politician told his Cannock Chase constituents they "deserved better" from their local MP and issued an "unreserved, wholehearted and full apology." The 32-year-old said: "I am deeply sorry, and want to offer the people of Cannock Chase an unreserved, wholehearted and full apology for the terrible offence this incident has undoubtedly caused."