THE TELEGRAPH is now reporting that anti-war British MP George Galloway asked Saddam for more money.

Saddam was rejecting two specific requests allegedly made by Mr Galloway, as recorded in the intelligence chief’s memorandum. The first was for a greater share of the profits from oil exports.

The memorandum said that Mr Galloway was already receiving between 10 and 15 cents per barrel of three million barrels exported every six months: an annual sum of at least £375,000.

Mr Galloway’s second reported request was for “exceptional commercial and contractual” opportunities with three ministries and the state electricity commission. These requests for more sources of income fell on deaf ears, but Saddam’s decision not to allow them did not apply to Mr Galloway’s existing deals.

This is incredible stuff, suggesting a degree of corruption that is, in fact, hard to believe. Galloway is denying the charges with increasing vigor. I imagine that the truth will come out, one way or another, on this.

Tim Blair has a nice roundup of coverage and reactions to this story.