Soma Oil & Gas: SFO Investigation

Lord Leigh of Hurley Excerpts

Monday 14th September 2015 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Anelay of St Johns]

My Lords, on the first question, I perhaps did not make it clear enough in my first Answer that this matter is being investigated by the SFO, and investigated as the result of a leaked confidential document. In light of both those circumstances, it is not the practice of any Government to comment on such matters. On the noble Lord’s second question, I understand that the United Nations will discuss these matters again shortly.

[Lord Leigh of Hurley (Con)]

My Lords, does my noble friend agree that we should note that all the companies concerned have strenuously denied any allegations of wrongdoing, and that the Question perhaps denies the central tenet of English justice—which is that a person is innocent until proved guilty?

[Baroness Anelay of St Johns]

My Lords, it is not for me to comment on what others have said. The Government will await the outcome of an investigation before commenting.