This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/8375359.stm

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Straw to face MPs over Megrahi Straw to face MPs over Megrahi
(9 minutes later)
Jack Straw is to face questions about his role in the run-up to the release of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi.Jack Straw is to face questions about his role in the run-up to the release of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi.
MPs on the Justice Committee will press the justice secretary on why he decided not to exclude Megrahi from a prisoner transfer agreement signed with Libya.MPs on the Justice Committee will press the justice secretary on why he decided not to exclude Megrahi from a prisoner transfer agreement signed with Libya.
The Lockerbie bomber, who has terminal cancer, was granted a compassionate release from prison by Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.The Lockerbie bomber, who has terminal cancer, was granted a compassionate release from prison by Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.
The August release sparked an international outcry.The August release sparked an international outcry.
Although Megrahi was released on compassionate grounds there have been many questions over the prisoner transfer agreement signed with Libya, which would also have allowed him to return home.Although Megrahi was released on compassionate grounds there have been many questions over the prisoner transfer agreement signed with Libya, which would also have allowed him to return home.
Sceptics like Liberal Democrat Alistair Carmichael have suggested pressure was put on the Scottish government to see Megrahi returned to Tripoli under the transfer scheme, which was originally signed by Tony Blair.Sceptics like Liberal Democrat Alistair Carmichael have suggested pressure was put on the Scottish government to see Megrahi returned to Tripoli under the transfer scheme, which was originally signed by Tony Blair.
Mr Carmichael said: "I have absolutely no doubt that the pressure was there and I've absolutely no doubt that the pressure was intended to be there.Mr Carmichael said: "I have absolutely no doubt that the pressure was there and I've absolutely no doubt that the pressure was intended to be there.
"It so happened that as things then developed the pressure may not have had the affect that those who originally applied would have intended, but the pressure was there.""It so happened that as things then developed the pressure may not have had the affect that those who originally applied would have intended, but the pressure was there."
Megrahi's condition was assessed before his compassionate releaseMegrahi's condition was assessed before his compassionate release
After a political outcry, Mr Straw originally intended to exclude Megrahi from the transfer agreement, but later changed his mind.After a political outcry, Mr Straw originally intended to exclude Megrahi from the transfer agreement, but later changed his mind.
In documents published in the aftermath of the Libyan's release, Mr Straw told the Scottish government it was in the UK's overwhelming interests not to exclude Megrahi.In documents published in the aftermath of the Libyan's release, Mr Straw told the Scottish government it was in the UK's overwhelming interests not to exclude Megrahi.
Mr Straw said strong relations with Libya were important and that it would not be sensible to risk damaging them.Mr Straw said strong relations with Libya were important and that it would not be sensible to risk damaging them.
Both the Holyrood and Westminster administrations deny any pressure was applied on Mr MacAskill over the decision.Both the Holyrood and Westminster administrations deny any pressure was applied on Mr MacAskill over the decision.
MPs will now have the opportunity to question Mr Straw about his role and whether ministers wanted Megrahi released to improve trade deals.MPs will now have the opportunity to question Mr Straw about his role and whether ministers wanted Megrahi released to improve trade deals.