Megrahi & McKinnon - Somethimg to talk about

The latest wave of Al-Megrahi headlines have for once resulted in a substantive result. Cameron’s promise to release ‘The Lockerbie Files’ (whatever they are) is a welcome move as the American sceptisicm and even cynicism over BP’s involvement in Libya should not be taken lightly, however unfounded it may ultimately prove to be.

I am, however, surprised that it is this element of the President and Prime Minister’s talks in Washington that have dominated the headlines. After all, what is there is to talk about on the matter?

Both men disagree with Kenny MacAskill’s decision which, as we all know by now, was claimed to be “the right decision for the right reasons”. However, both men would surely accept that it was the Justice Secretary’s decision to make and it is now effectively irreversible.

With an economy to fix and oil still ruining the Gulf of Mexico, one would think that Obama and Cameron would wish to discuss issues that they can improve or even solve.

One such issue that was discussed, I was delighted to learn, was the fate of Gary McKinnon. The Prime Minister showed great fettle in raising this matter with Obama and, reading between the lines of the “appropriate solution” that both countries are now looking for, it is quite right that Gary and his mother have renewed hope that he won’t be extradited after all.

I tell you what though, this turn of events has shown up Gordon Brown, Alan Johnson, Jacqui Smith and all the other Home Secretaries who have had the opportunity to fight McKinnon’s corner and turned a blind eye.

I have always thought that if Labour can’t summon the courage and will to fight for a guy like Gary then they wouldn’t have the stomach to govern.

Applying that same logic to David Cameron, I can only say that, on this evidence alone at least, the Prime Minister looks like he has the energy and vigour for the job and, crucially, his heart is in the right place. Even when sitting face to face with the US President.