US backlash over freed Lockerbie bomber
There is a growing backlash against the Scottish government after the announcement that the Lockerbie bomb was free to go home to Libya on compassionate grounds. The Scottish Executive was effectively forced into a corner with allegations that the UK government had already "done a deal" with the Libyan authorities for the return of the bomber.
However, despite taking to the current US criticism of the move the SNP rubberstamped the deal and the Lockerbie bomb is currently residing in Libya. However, the Scottish economy is under pressure today with news of a growing backlash and growing boycott of Scottish goods in retaliation over the move. There is concern that the SNP has been "stitched up" by the UK government who effectively took a hands off approach and left the SNP to battle the various elements themselves.
There are various areas of the Scottish economy which attract American attention and there are significant exports to the region as well. If the threat to follow through with a boycott of Scottish goods goes ahead then there could be short-term problems for Scottish businesses. This is a situation which has been brewing for some time with rumours that the deal was effectively done more than a decade ago.
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