UK-US links will survive current rift
David Cameron's first official visit to the United States comes with transatlantic wrangling over alleged Libyan deals involving both the former UK administration and BP leading to the release of the Lockerbie bomber.
President Barack Obama will raise with Mr Cameron what is described by some American politicians as an "oil for terrorism" deal and the Prime Minister was also due to meet four US senators seeking an inquiry into Abdul al-Megrahi's return.
It was the Scottish devolved government which authorised the bomber's release on the compassionate grounds that he had a terminal illness and David Cameron had no part in this unpopular decision.
However, as PM, he now has to grapple with the political ramifications of what appears to have been a shady deal that belittled the deaths of 259 passengers on the 1988 flight.
What is less clear is the involvement of the Labour government, during Tony Blair and Gordon Brown's terms as PM, in oil trade negotiations with Colonel Gaddafi and their involvement in freeing Libya prisoners in the UK.
Allegations by American politicians against BP follow on from the firestorm over the leaks in the Gulf of Mexico and, set against the trading with Libya by US oil giants, there is a lot of hypocrisy emanating from Washington.
Barack Obama has exercised a coolish approach to the historic "special relationship" with the UK and David Cameron says Brits must end the fixation with the US bond.
Historically however, the USA and UK remain the world's most prominent allies and it is hoped diplomacy will smooth over present difficulties.
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Weather for Belfast
Thursday 24 May 2012
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