Lockerbie debate recall rejected

Aug 17 2009

Calls for the Scottish Parliament to be recalled from its summer break to discuss the possible release of the convicted Lockerbie bomber have been rejected.

Holyrood Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson said: "I have weighed up all the factors very carefully and have taken the decision not to recall Parliament at this time."

Opposition politicians had rounded on Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill as he ponders whether to release Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi, who has terminal prostate cancer, on compassionate grounds.