British government: We shouldn't have released the Lockerbie bomber

Last year, the decision to release Megrahi on compassionate grounds was taken by the Scottish government. At the time, Gordon Brown insisted he was not responsible for what happened, but he did say he “respected” the right of Scottish ministers to take the decision, a phrase that was taken as an endorsement of Megrahi’s early release.

But last night, Sheinwald issued a statement that made it clear that the coalition government takes a different view.

“The new British government is clear that Megrahi’s release was a mistake,” Sheinwald said.

He went on: “The British government deeply regrets the continuing anguish that his release on compassionate grounds has caused the families of Megrahi’s victims in the UK, as well as in the US.