LOCKERBIEGATE : Finally the truth ?

Finally it has been admitted that there were other reasons than "compassionate grounds" for the early release of al-Mehari from his prison sentence of 27 years. The admission that there were in fact "important trade considerations", was wholly expected by the public but had been kept secret by the politicians.

Gordon Brown, however he would want to apportion the blame for what has become the Lockerbiegate crisis, cannot escape the fact that he was responsible for UK Foreign Affairs, even more so than the Ministers he appointed. However, he can justly curse the poisoned chalice he inherited from Tony Blair who visited Libya more than just once.

Everyone involved in the intrigue, politicians and counsellors, in England and in Scotland, has lost face. How can anyone plead ignorance of what was going on, when so many people were involved ?

Lockerbiegate will have many consequences. The in-fighting among Labour politicians for the Leadership has already begun, even though Gordon Brown has not yet resigned. Lord Mandelson, who has been relatively invisible in recent weeks, may well have a swaying effect during the coming days. The Labour Party Conference in Brighton on September, 27 to October 1, 2009 promises to be a lively affair.