TIMESONLINE: Gordon Brown was today urged to reopen an official corruption inquiry into BAE Systems’ al-Yamamah contract with Saudi Arabia after US authorities announced they were launching their own formal investigation into the defence company.
Vincent Cable, the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, told Times Online it was essential the incoming Prime Minister broke with the past and the “sleazy behaviour” of the outgoing Blair administration.
He added: “It is extraordinary and embarrassing that we have to rely on the higher standards of probity in the United States to investigate alleged corruption by a British company in its overseas business operations.
"We would like Gordon Brown to look at the matter again as we didn't agree with the reasons given for the early termination of the Serious Fraud Office inquiry last year." BAE shares plunge as US launches corruption probe: Almost £1.6 billion is cut from the value of BAE as the Department of Justice opens an inquiry into corruption allegations (more) | Steve Hawkes
TIMESONLINE: Tempus: BAE under fire | Steve Hawkes
TIMESONLINE: BAE contract on hold until Saudis forge closer ties with Brown| David Robertson
Mark Alexander
