UK PM David Cameron Promises To Cooperate With US Investigation Into Lockerbie Bomber Release

by Frances Martel | 3:35 pm, July 20th, 2010

» 6 comments

In an interview with ABC’s Diane Sawyer scheduled to air tonight, UK Prime Minister David Cameron argued that a thorough investigation of the release of Lockerbie Bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi was unnecessary, but despite this he promises to work hand-in-hand with the US government in their investigation of possible connections between al-Megrahi and BP.

al-Megrahi was released and relocated to Libya on grounds of compassion after doctors concluded he was terminally ill and had three months to live. Almost a year later, he is alive and well and expected to continue his life. The decision was made by the government of Scotland, not the greater UK something Cameron pointed out when he told Sawyer further investigation wouldn’t be helpful: “I don’t need an inquiry to tell me what I think I already know, which is it was a bad decision to release him and it was a bad decision to even contemplate this.” Cameron also added that he believed al-Megrahi should “have died in jail” and added that his cabinet secretary would be investigating the legal papers fill in order to release al-Megrahi.

Despite being very vocally opposed to al-Megrahi’s release, Cameron was also staunch in his defense of BP after reports surfaced that the energy corporation was involved in negotiating the Lockerbie bomber’s release. He warned against “trying to connect” the BP-orchestrated disaster in the Gulf of Mexico and the release of the Lockerbie bomber:

“There are arguments about BP in the Gulf and there are arguments that BP should answer about who they lobbied about what and when and all the rest of it,” he said, “but I don’t think that actually changes what really happened, which was a decision was taken by a legitimate government.”

Cameron spoke to Sawyer before an extensive meeting with President Barack Obama. Sawyer’s full interview with Prime Minister Cameron will air tonight on ABC.

[Photo via Randy Sager/ABC]

abc, BP, BP Oil Disaster, David Cameron, Diane Sawyer, lockerbie bomber, Scotland, UK

notsofast

Why not? He was more outspoken about this last year before he was elected than BHO was.
The Real Royal King

If BP lobbied for the Lockerbie bomber’s release, something I believe to be distinctly possible, then I think the most serious of consequences must be faced by BP and by some UK politicians. BP has an influence upon UK politics which Exxon could only dream of in the US. This needs to be vetted thoroughly. And, while I doubt Cameron has the spine to proceed fully, perhaps Clegg can push him. If the Coalition falls apart, there is no guarantee that the Tories will have even a plurality.
timzank

I’m not a lawyer, I just play one on websites, but….how can BP be responsible for anything that two moronic governments did?

They (BP) may have benefitted from the governments deal, but aren’t the culprits the two parties that made the deal? I.E. Scotland & Libya?
The Real Royal King

First off, Scotland is not a government involved in this. Scotland handles local matters only, as part of the UK. If BP lobbied to secure the release, it is possible money changed hands. It is illegal to pay a bribe, as well as to accept one.
timzank

I guess my point is, isn’t the UK government at fault? Somebody in the government had to unlock the cell, right? I don’t think BP has the keys to the prisons. As I said, BP may have been a beneficiary of the release by being allowed to set a platform in Libya’s waters, but the UK govt is the one guilty of “making a deal” right?
The Real Royal King

The UK gouvernment? I don’t know. UK gouvernmental officials, it would appear, yes. Again, however, if their action is the result of lobbying involved bribes, the bribe payer may be liable as well. My understanding of this matter is that bribe paying is a much more serious offense in the UK than it is in the US.