Government's Al Yamamah decision has isolated Britain - Cable

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 30th Apr 2007

Commenting on today's Foreign Affairs Select Committee report concluding that the decision to halt the inquiry into the al Yamamah arms deal may severely damaged the UK's reputation in the fight against corruption, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Vince Cable MP said: "This report represents an all-party consensus on this sordid affair and vindicates the Liberal Democrats' strong line, that the Government has arrogantly swept aside.

"There is little doubt that the Government's refusal to proceed with legal action has isolated Britain amongst other developed countries and has seriously damaged our international reputation.

"It has also dealt a severe blow to the standing of the large majority of British companies which are doing their best to comply with the legal and ethical requirements to stamp out corruption in their overseas operations.

"This whole issue will continue to reverberate and further tarnish the Government's already pretty sleazy reputation."