Ministers last night faced calls for a fresh inquiry into the suspension of the bribery probe into BAE Systems' Saudi arms deals after it was revealed how Tony Blair intervened in the decision.
Newly released secret documents show the then Prime Minister begged his Attorney General to scrap a Serious Fraud Office inquiry, fearing it would jeopardise future fighter-jet contracts.
When the SFO controversially abandoned its investigation into the Al-Yamamah arms deal, Mr Blair insisted the decision had been taken on security grounds.
But a letter from Mr Blair to Lord Goldsmith, then Attorney General, just six days before the suspension was announced, shows that he also highlighted the "critical difficulties" the probe could cause to the sale of Typhoon aircraft to the Saudis.
The document, dated December 8, 2006, has been released to the High Court during a legal action brought by anti-corruption campaigners.
In the letter, Mr Blair acknowledged an international agreement preventing the consideration of national economic interest but nevertheless referred to "concern" over "damage" being done to relations with the Saudis.
2007-12-23 10:27:25 · 13 answers · asked by openyoureyespeople! 5 in News & Events ➔ Current Events
MAKES YOU WONDER HOW HARD HE BEGGED THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO CHANGE HIS THINKING ON THE LEGALITY OF THE WAR WITH IRAQ.......sick
2007-12-23 10:28:36 · update #1
As a person, blair knows he is worthless - almost the only people who will have him are the catholic church - so the pope can reassure him that it is all OK and he needn't worry.
The association of the RC's and notable people is really just an early form of 'celebrity' -- famous people make the organisation look credible, and the organisaition gets some (impression of) credibility by having famous people be members.
I guess for blair it was either the catholics or the scientologists - either would be pleased to have him under their banner - neither have any shame; and either would offer him the forgiveness that (in truth) could only really be offered by the british people, and from that source will never be forthcoming.
2007-12-23 10:41:41 · answer #1 · answered by P P 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What do you think happens in government. The events you are describing have been happening since the year dot. Cover ups happen in all governments world wide. You write the question like this has just started happening. I am no fan of Tony Blair. But things like this will happen again & again regardless of whos in power. It the nature of politics. If you look hard enough you can dig up poo on anyone. It just depends on how the press feel on the day & where there loyleties lie.
2007-12-23 18:40:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
when the "Lovely Tony" first came to power he was a refreshing change, he seemed human, especially the way we responded to the tragic deaths of Diana and Dodi. But, then he gradually became power mad, he saw himself as the first British President, so important, taking holidays with all his famous pals. Where was he when he should have been there to greet the bodies of the troops coming back from Iraq. And if his catholic faith was so important to him, why didn't he convert whilst in power. We know the answers Mr Blair
2007-12-23 18:35:27 · answer #3 · answered by Patsyanne 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
we will not believe in ten years what a complete disaster Blair (and the British public for being the laziest and spineless bunch of cretins for allowing it) has been. With immigration on mass. Freedom of speech quietly and quickly going less. You know we have enjoyed our freedoms today because people in the past paid a huge price and we Brits today are sitting back and not doing nothing as Blair and NOW brown swipe these freedoms away.
2007-12-23 18:37:22 · answer #4 · answered by insert_ nickname_ here! 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Fall from grace. Now where have I seen those words before. Oh yes it was said about the devil. Well that seems to fit. The devil was a smooth talker and a bit of a charmer, much the same applies to Toni.
His legacy though, is that he laid the foundation for the future police state..!!
2007-12-23 18:46:37 · answer #5 · answered by Terry M 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's life it is about black gold, money, back handers & looking after your interests. We have always dealt arms with the Saudi's. Interesting though.
2007-12-23 18:33:31 · answer #6 · answered by A . Z . 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Al Yamani arms deal was struck while Thatcher was in power.Her son Mark received an eleven million pound payoff.Blair had nothing to do with it.
2007-12-23 19:08:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
He fell from grace, with no legacy or respect but the worst is that he doesn't give a damn what you or I think about him or about what he does.
2007-12-23 18:44:35 · answer #8 · answered by RED-CHROME 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He didn't reach grace in the first place.
2007-12-23 18:31:16 · answer #9 · answered by Richy the wise guy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
" Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely " , the truth in a nutshell......always and without exception .
2007-12-23 18:53:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋