Lib Dems demand to see BAE report
The Liberal Democrats have said they will attempt to force the government to publish documents surrounding BAE’s Al-Yamamah contract.
Last week it emerged the government called off an investigation into alleged corruption in the deal between BAE Systems and Saudi Arabia.
Today Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell demanded the National Audit Office’s (NAO) report on the Al-Yamamah contract be published, and that the prime minister make a statement to the House of Commons clarifying the decision to drop the investigation into the deal.
The NAO report was drawn up for the sale of weaponry to Saudi Arabia in 1992. It is the only NAO report not to have been released into the public domain, the Lib Dems note.
“Parliament is entitled to see any report commissioned in its name,” Sir Menzies said.
“There is no reason why this report should be treated any differently.”
The Liberal Democrat leader also wanted further explanation as to why a Serious Fraud Office inquiry into the deal was called off.
“Before the House rises for the Christmas recess, parliament is also entitled to a much better explanation for the decision to drop the BAE investigation,” he said.
“Conflicting versions from the prime minister, the attorney general and the head of the Serious Fraud Office need clarification.
“The rule of law has clearly been set aside in favour of other considerations. We are entitled to know precisely what these considerations amounted to and what passed between members of the cabinet, including the prime minister and the attorney general. A statement to the house is required.”
On Friday Mr Blair said: “If this prosecution had gone forward, all that would have happened is that we would have had months, potentially years of ill-feeling between us and a key partner and ally, and probably to no purpose.
“I’m afraid in the end my role of prime minister is to advise on what is the best national interest, strategic interest, of our country and I’ve absolutely no doubt at all that the right decision was taken in this regard.”
The Serious Fraud Office launched its probe into allegations of corruption in three major contracts between BAE and the Saudis – known as the Al-Yamamah contracts – two years ago.
It focused on whether millions of pounds of ‘slush funds’ were used to secure defence contracts worth £40 billion over 20 years. BAE has always denied this.
