End of probe 'no coincidence'

Last Modified: 15 Dec 2006
By: Channel 4 News

Jack Straw has told Channel 4 News it was not a "total coincidence" that the Saudi-BAE probe was called off after Saudi Arabia had given a 10-day deadline.

The Leader of the House of Commons said: "It is not a total coincidence and no one has suggested it was. We believed on the basis our relationship would be at risk."

Mr Straw said no prosecution would have resulted if the SFO had continued the probe into the Saudi-BAE arms deal.

He denied the Saudis had called the shots on the deal.

"We have had good relations with the Saudis in respect of counter terrorism, it is literally about if we can save lives here or abroad."

He said it was entirely appropriate that the SFO should have ensured these allegations investigated up to the point that no purpose would be served because of national security implications and even if they continued a successful prosecution was not likely.

"There was first the decision on national security grounds and also the judgement by the attorney general that looking at the evidence even after a further 18 months of investigation would not be successful."