TIMES ONLINE: Gordon Brown believes the early release of the the Lockerbie bomber is too sensitive to comment on, Downing Street said today.
The Prime Minister is under growing pressure to say whether he agreed with the release of Abdul Baset Ali al-Megrahi, amid accusations that he is ducking a subject of national importance while offering his views on the Ashes.
Defending the Prime Minister's silence, Mr Brown's spokesman said: “Clearly, the Prime Minister recognises this was a very difficult decision and was clearly an extremely sensitive one and there will be very strong feelings from the families of those people who were victims of this terrorist attack."
He said it was “a uniquely sensitive and difficult decision”. They had not commented before the decision and would not comment after, he added.
Asked whether the release gave succour to terrorists, he said: “I don’t think it does. This was a decision taken by the Scottish Justice Secretary in accordance with the laws of Scotland. I don’t see that anyone can argue that this gives succour.” >>> Sam Coates, Chief Political Correspondent | Monday, August 24, 2009
