Cast off the cloak
When Tony Blair intervened to get the Serious Fraud Office investigation into BAE's alleged corruption in Saudi Arabia stopped on grounds of national security, few people believed a legal challenge could succeed. When it comes to protecting the lives and security of the nation, the courts allow the executive "an especially wide margin of discretion", noted the judges in this case. Yesterday's judgment that the SFO director acted unlawfully in dropping the inquiry is therefore a major blow to the government - and its ability to sweep controversial issues under the carpet.
The ruling has seriously constrained the government's ability to invoke national security without scrutiny.… Seguir leyendo »