Judge criticises Government over Al Yamamah
The Government was accused in court yesterday of having rolled over in the face of threats from Saudi Arabia over the investigations into bribery and corruption allegations involving BAE Systems and arms deals with Saudi Arabia.
The comments came during a court hearing into the axing of the investigations:
Lord Justice Moses said the court had seen nothing to suggest that the government had done “anything other than roll over” in December 2006.
An attempt could have been made, he said, to get the threat to withdraw co-operation with the UK, including over security issues, lifted.
Liberal Democrat MP Vince Cable said:
These comments are seriously damaging to the Government’s credibility in its handling of this scandal. The Liberal Democrats alleged at the time that the Government had capitulated in the face of threats from Saudi Arabia which may or may not have had any substance. Today we have confirmation that this is exactly what happened.
Posted in Al Yamamah, BAE, Vince Cable |
February 15th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
It is time for the government to realise that honesty is needed- The Saudis would probably have respected the government if they had stood firm and
still given the contracts- either way-time to reform!! Britain used to gain respect- even when policies were mis-guided
February 15th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
this must be pursued all the way - I want an honourable government that doesn’t kow tow to any foreign influence
February 15th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
This proves that Mr Blier and his New Labour cronies are just as corrupt as their Old Tory chums.
Hoe can they continue to fool so many mebers of the public?
February 17th, 2008 at 9:59 am
I have said, for many years, over many Government’s, if the continuation of dishonesty is displayed by the supposed guiding force of the country, what else can you expect from the ‘rank and file’? Unfortunately, I fear, it is too late for recovery to be implemented as it has gone on for too long.
So much for our superiors.