BBC Online: OECD ‘concerns’ over Saudi probe

There are “serious concerns” about the UK dropping a fraud probe into a Saudi arms deal, says the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The OECD, which drew up an anti-bribery treaty signed by Britain, has been investigating the Serious Fraud Office decision announced last month. Prime Minister Tony Blair the decision to end the probe was taken in the interests of national security.

The OECD has said it will take “appropriate action” against the UK.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell said this could mean an investigation into how the decision was taken, which would mean “further embarrassment” for the UK.

He told BBC News 24: “I think a government other than Mr Blair’s would feel severely embarrassed by criticism of this kind. After all this is a convention which Britain has signed and for us to be seen in breach of an international obligation of this kind is deeply damaging to our reputation.” …

Update 19.01.07 Britain rebuked for dropping bribe inquiry