Dundee Liberal Democrats back inquiry into BAE scandal (Dundee Liberal Democrats)

Dundee Liberal Democrats <info@dundeelibdems.org.uk>

Dundee Liberal Democrats back inquiry into BAE scandal

April 12, 2008 6:55 AM

Nick Clegg calls for inquiry into BAE scandal

Dundee Liberal Democrats today (Saturday 12th April) backed calls by LibDem Leader, Nick Clegg MP, for the Prime Minister to reopen the investigation into arms deals between BAE Systems and Saudi Arabia.

This follows on from the High Court ruling last week that the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) was wrong to drop its earlier investigation.

Nick Clegg, in a letter to Gordon Brown, says, "In order to restore faith in the Government's actions over this matter, do you now accept that there is no alternative but to re-open the SFO investigation and hold a full inquiry into how this unlawful decision ever came about?

"I am dismayed by the self inflicted damage being wrought by this Government's actions on Britain's standing in the world. How can Britain stand up to corruption and bribery abroad if we are not spotless at home?"

Dundee City Council LibDem Group Leader, Cllr Fraser Macpherson, added, ""The original investigation was blocked supposedly to protect the country's security, and the High Court ruling now casts clear doubt on this.

"There is now a pressing need for a full inquiry into the matter as the Government's actions in this matter have caused damage to Britain's standing in the international community."