The Liberal Democrats have launched a petition calling for an inquiry into the ending of the Serious Fraud Office investigation into the Al-Yamamah arms deal involving Saudi Arabia and BAE Systems plc (part of which was formerly British Aerospace).

The Government claimed that the fraud investigation was stopped due to national security interests.

Liberal Dems in both Houses of Parliament have criticised the move. Susan Kramer, the Liberal Democrats’ Shadow Trade & Industry Secretary commented:

"The chances of being caught for travelling without a ticket on the London Underground are considerably higher than for illegally exporting arms from the UK."

There is a "trend among UK companies to move arms production ... to places with lighter licensing regimes".

You can sign the petition at www.corruptionisacrime.com

At the last Local Elections, local Lib Dem councilors in Oadby & Wigston Borough promised to deliver a Greener Borough.

Councillor Lesley Thorton (Oadby Brocks Hill) commented, "With climate change now a worldwide issue, everyone needs to think about how we can reduce our environmental impact. "

"Lib Dems have acted locally in Oadby and Wigston to help both residents and the council itself become greener."

Since the last local elections, the Borough has:

• Improved recycling rates to 45% of collected household waste
• Introduced compostable garden waste kerbside collections
• Increased kerbside collections of glass.
• Planted hundreds of trees
• Installed Solar water heating panels on the roofs of 2 of the Council’s sheltered homes.
• Improved the fuel efficiency of Council vehicles
• A 100% Green Energy (from renewable sources) fixed rate contract has been agreed for the Council offices
• ‘Affordable Warmth’ advice has been provided for householders