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07/02/2011
Labour Did 'All It Could' To Free Lockerbie Bomber
A top British civil servant has said the Labour government supported a policy to do "all it could" to ensure the Lockerbie bomber's release.
Back in August 2009, Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi was released from a Scottish prison on compassionate grounds after it came to light he had just three months to live.
Upon his return to Libya, he received a hero’s welcome.
In a further development Gus O’Donnell, a UK top civil servant, has today published 150 pages of documents after conducting a review into the release. Summarising, Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus concluded: "Policy was, therefore, progressively developed that Her Majesty's Government should do all it could, while respecting devolved competencies, to facilitate an appeal by the Libyans to the Scottish government for Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi's release under the Prisoner Transfer Agreement (PTA) or for release on compassionate grounds.
"Such an approach was understood across all relevant departments."
The report, however did not highlight evidence of active intervention.
Sir Gus said London did not lobby Edinburgh because it would be "counterproductive".
He said: "Mr Megrahi's release on compassionate grounds was a decision that Scottish Ministers alone could, and did, make."
The Labour government has stood by claims it did not interfere in the decision.
Last year, Sir Gus was approached by the Prime Minister to conduct a review after promising President Obama that documents would be available to the public.
In December 1988, Pan Am flight 103 flight exploded over Lockerbie killing 270 people, 103 were American.
(BMcN/GK)
Back in August 2009, Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi was released from a Scottish prison on compassionate grounds after it came to light he had just three months to live.
Upon his return to Libya, he received a hero’s welcome.
In a further development Gus O’Donnell, a UK top civil servant, has today published 150 pages of documents after conducting a review into the release. Summarising, Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus concluded: "Policy was, therefore, progressively developed that Her Majesty's Government should do all it could, while respecting devolved competencies, to facilitate an appeal by the Libyans to the Scottish government for Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi's release under the Prisoner Transfer Agreement (PTA) or for release on compassionate grounds.
"Such an approach was understood across all relevant departments."
The report, however did not highlight evidence of active intervention.
Sir Gus said London did not lobby Edinburgh because it would be "counterproductive".
He said: "Mr Megrahi's release on compassionate grounds was a decision that Scottish Ministers alone could, and did, make."
The Labour government has stood by claims it did not interfere in the decision.
Last year, Sir Gus was approached by the Prime Minister to conduct a review after promising President Obama that documents would be available to the public.
In December 1988, Pan Am flight 103 flight exploded over Lockerbie killing 270 people, 103 were American.
(BMcN/GK)
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UK's Top Civil Servant Retires
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Huhne And Pryce Released After 62 Days
Chris Huhne and Vicky Pryce have been released from jailed after serving 62 days of their respective eight-month sentences. The 58-year-old former cabinet minister and his 60-year-old ex-wife were jailed on March 11 for perverting the course of justice, relating to Pryce taking speeding points on behalf of Huhne.
Huhne And Pryce Released After 62 Days
Chris Huhne and Vicky Pryce have been released from jailed after serving 62 days of their respective eight-month sentences. The 58-year-old former cabinet minister and his 60-year-old ex-wife were jailed on March 11 for perverting the course of justice, relating to Pryce taking speeding points on behalf of Huhne.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
