Campbell challenges Blair over Panorama’s Al Yamamah revelations
Liberal Democrat Leader Ming Campbell has demanded a statement from the Prime Minister following an investigation by the BBC’s Panorama. The programme found evidence that BAE has secretly paid £1bn to Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia in connection with Britain’s biggest ever weapons contract, known as the Al Yamamah deal. The payments were made with the full knowledge and authorisation of Ministry of Defence.
Campbell said:
“When I questioned the Prime Minister about this issue in the House of Commons, he took full responsibility for the decision to discontinue the investigation into BAE. In light of BBC’s allegations, the Prime Minister must make a full and detailed statement to the House of Commons.”
The Liberal Democrats’ Deputy Leader, Vince Cable, has called for a parliamentary inquiry. He said:
“If it is indeed true that the British Government has been complicit in enormous under the counter payments to Prince Bandar there must be a full investigation by Parliament, and the Public Accounts Committee must be reconvened to pursue the al Yamamah investigation. My colleagues and I will not rest until there is proper ministerial accountability for what appears to be totally unacceptable conduct which completely undermines anti-corruption legislation.”
The Panorama edition on Al Yamamah will be broadcast on Monday 11 June at 8.30pm on BBC One.
Posted in BAE, Ming Campbell, Panorama, Tony Blair, Vince Cable |
