Clegg calls for inquiry into probe decision

The leader of Britain's third largest political party has written to the prime minister urging him to reopen the fraud investigation into BAE Systems payments to Saudi Arabia.

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has also urged Gordon Brown to hold a full inquiry into how the unlawful decision was made to drop the Serious Fraud Office's probe, following last year's high court ruling.

Reminding Mr Brown he pledged to restore faith in the political system when taking office, Mr Clegg writes: "In order to restore faith in the government’s actions over this matter, do you now accept that there is no alternative but to re-open the SFO investigation and hold a full inquiry into how this unlawful decision ever came about?"

The Liberal Democrats are also attempting to shift focus to the role of the attorney general in suspending the probe.

Mr Clegg points out the government's draft constitutional renewal bill gives the attorney general powers to block investigations or prosecutions under grounds of national security.

When taking office in June, Mr Brown pledged to reform the role of the attorney general to ensure the office retains public confidence.

"This sentiment is flatly contradicted by your recent proposals in the draft constitutional renewal bill," argued Mr Clegg.

"These proposals will give the attorney general effective carte blanche in future to block or quash any investigations or prosecutions under the pretext of 'national security'."