Scott: Parliament must be Scotland's voice to the world after SNP's Megrahi debacle

5.30.58pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 24th Aug 2009

Commenting ahead of the Scottish Parliament debate on the SNP Government's decision to release the Lockerbie bomber, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott MSP said:

“The Scottish Parliament should have been consulted before, not after the decision to release Megrahi was taken.

“Parliament must be the final check and balance to the Government's unbridled power to make decisions that could damage the reputation of the nation we serve.

“The SNP Government's unilateral decision to release a convicted mass murderer has brought Scotland's standing in the world to an all time low.

“The fact that Kenny MacAskill made the decision without one thought of the advice and assistance that Parliament could offer shows the utter contempt the SNP has for the institution.

“In debating the motives and mechanisms behind the release of Mr Megrahi, Parliament must finally be allowed to voice its view.

“Liberal Democrats will call for a vote so that the voice of the Scottish Parliament, not just the Scottish Government, is heard by those across the globe who are listening to events unfold.

“The SNP's credibility at home and abroad is in tatters. Scotland's must not be allowed to follow with it.”