Concern for BP

The rather anti-British approach taken by Barack Obama towards the actions of British Petroleum – as he calls them – has brought about a sympathetic reaction to the plight of the UK-based multinational among some in this country. This is misplaced. Sympathy should be reserved for the families of the dead and the communities affected by the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

However, the willingness of the US establishment and legal system to prosecute the top executives of multinationals whose actions harm US citizens – in contrast to their disregard for foreigners who suffer at US hands – should worry executives of BP and is in stark contrast to our establishment/legal system.

In 1988, the deaths of 167 men on the Piper Alpha oil platform, owned by a US multinational company – later found to have seriously deficient procedures – led to nothing more than platitudes from the UK/Scottish establishment and legal system.

The only person to come out of the Piper Alpha Inquiry with any credit was Gavin Cleland who lost a son in the tragedy and led a lone and dignified campaign to have the directors of the company responsible taken before the Scottish courts. He campaigned till the day he died and he typified the best qualities that Scotland has to offer.

TOM MINOGUE

Victoria Terrace

Dunfermline