Ex-minister Robinson charged with failing to give breath test

Police have searched the home of Geoffrey Robinson, the former Treasury minister, following the seizure of a mystery "substance" in his car.

The millionaire MP was charged in connection with drink-driving after police stopped him for "driving erratically". Mr Robinson, who quit as Paymaster General over the Mandelson home-loan affair, was charged with refusing to give a breath test, driving with no licence and having no insurance.

His solicitor, Rob Perry, who represented Mr Robinson at a preliminary hearing yesterday, said his client denied all the allegations.

West Midlands Police said that the MP for Coventry North West was arrested on Saturday night near Walsall. A police spokesman said: "Mr Robinson was stopped for driving erratically. He failed to provide a specimen for analysis and he was arrested.

"A substance was also seized. In accordance with the Criminal Evidence Act procedures, Mr Robinson's home address has been searched. Nothing of note was found."

Mr Robinson, 64, was granted unconditional bail. The case was adjourned until January.