The SNP MSP Christine Grahame has said she believes Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi has pressured into the decision to drop his appeal and called for a full public inquiry.

"I know from the lengthy discussions I had with him that he was desperate to clear his name, so I believe that the decision is not entirely his own," she said.

"There are a number of vested interests who have been deeply opposed to this appeal continuing as they know it would go a considerable way towards exposing the truth behind Lockerbie. Some serious scrutiny will be required to determine exactly why Mr Megrahi is now dropping his appeal and examination of what pressure he has come under. 

"A leaked email that I saw this week from an official in the Scottish justice department warned that senior Scottish officials were exerting undue pressure to have Megrahi drop his appeal. They appear to have been successful."

The Scottish Government gave an unambiguous “No” to suggestions of pressure, when The Firm asked  'Has it ever been intimated to Megrahi or his representatives that he would be more likely to be granted compassionate release if he dropped his appeal?'

“In answer to the simple question posed by The Firm, the answer is “No,” the Scottish Government said.