CPS Director George Castle and CPS Prosecutor James Steel in “Unfinished Business”

The Home Secretary feels very strongly that we should take the plea. He thinks it'll be a PR disaster if Smith is found "Not Guilty" after a long high-profile trial.

And what did you say?

I told him that it was entirely inappropriate for him to try to influence the prosecution of a high court case.

[amused] Go, George.

Well, I am indeed the man. But we are not operating in a vacuum here, James.