SFO/BAE case - Unlock Democracy welcomes High Court decision

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Thursday, 10, Apr 2008 12:00

Unlock Democracy has welcomed the ruling by Lord Justice Moses and Mr Justice Sullivan that the Serious Fraud Office was wrong to drop its investigation into the Al-Yamamah bribery allegations.

Commenting, Director of Unlock Democracy Peter Facey said:

"We welcome the High Court's ruling today and in particular the assertion that the rule of law must not be usurped by suggestions of national security. In this particular case, the Saudi defence minister was understood to be threatening to withhold intelligence information about potential terrorists. When the concept of national security has been extended to include blackmail and extortion, we have no justice.

"The rule of law guarantees us far more security than it risks. The UK likes to imagine itself as a beacon of democracy and integrity. If we want this reputation, we must be seen to take corruption seriously.

"We are particularly concerned about proposals in the draft Constitutional Renewal Bill to reform the role of the Attorney General which would allow the Attorney General to intervene in court cases for reasons of national security. This exemption could prevent future judicial reviews such as this one."

Unlock Democracy is a member of the Alliance of Lobbying Transparency, which is campaigning for a register of organisations which lobby government and the resources they spend.

ENDS

1. Unlock Democracy, incorporating Charter 88, is the UK's leading campaign for democratic renewal and active engagement in the political process.

2. For more information, a quote or an interview, please contact James Graham on 020 7278 4443 / 07966 237550 / james.graham@unlockdemocracy.org.uk.