UK ‘ignored’ Saudi 7/7 evidence
The UK failed to act on intelligence which could have averted the London tube bombings, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah has claimed.
Speaking ahead of an official visit to the UK, King Abdullah said his country had passed on intelligence that could have prevented the July 7 bombings but it was not acted upon by UK authorities.
Fifty-two London commuters were killed when four suicide bombers exploded bombs across the London transport network on July 7 2005.
Investigating last year, the Commons intelligence and security committee found no evidence Saudi reports could have prevented the attack.
But King Abdullah disputed this claim in an exclusive interview with the BBC.
Speaking through an interpreter he said: “We have sent information to Great Britain before the terrorist attacks in Britain but unfortunately no action was taken. And it may have been able to maybe avert the tragedy.”
The Saudi ruler said Britain was one of a number of countries that were “unfortunately” not taking terrorism seriously enough.
King Abdullah confirmed Al Qaeda associates are still a big problem in Saudi Arabia and predicted they would take 20 to 30 years to eradicate and only with vigilant effort.
His comments will likely add to the controversy surrounding his visit to the UK.
Acting Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable branded his visit completely inappropriate yesterday and announced he would be boycotting the official banquet and audience at Buckingham Palace.
Mr Cable has been critical of the BAE-Saudi arms deal and the country’s human rights record.
He said: “In my opinion, it is quite wrong for the British government to have proposed a state visit at this time.”
A demonstration will also take place outside the Saudi embassy in London this week. Labour MP John McDonnell will be among those protesting King Abdullah’s human rights record.
Mr McDonnell said the British people would be “aghast” at the government entertaining “one of the most prominent anti-democratic and human rights-abusing leaders in the world.”
