Isn't the real story about what the SFO Inquiry turned up and how it was brushed under the carpet for money and influence?

JMac, Providence, United States

What, pray tell me, is "the permissible future" - [Chris, Essex, UK]??

John Roberts, Seaford, England

Might just be that they've seen the western politician game of "I didn't sign that, my predecessor did!?" once too often.

They can think they are in control if they like, just so long as they're forking out 20billion squid and providing badly needed jobs, we can play along with the charade can't we?

How many communities/industries in western countries have been decimated by manufacturing jobs going over seas. Lesser of 2 evils me thinks. Less gung ho more ho ho.

Dean Butler, Brizvegas, Australia

I wonder, does anyone see a problem with supplying defense systems to a country that, despite it being the largest petroleum supplier in the world, provides financial support and training for terrorism, specifically al Qaeda?

Otis Boone II, Sacramento, California/USA

Is this some sort of joke? The Saudis are good at delaying us, will they actually sign the contract in the permissible future? It's ridicious that they can stop an official police investigation into their dealings, which has now been kindly shuffled under the carpet. Now we must obey again. Brown as prime minister? You have got to be kidding us, where will the corruption end?

Chris , Essex, UK

Ever get the feeling that everyone else but the UK government is one step ahead in any and every negotiation, appropos of Iran.

Matt C, London,

Are the British people about to suffer another ourageous move over which they have no control whatsoever? Surely the individuals who run this 'system' of ours must realise that Gordon Brown has proved himself to be no friend to the British people. Allowing him to step into No 10 Downing Street in this 'stage-managed' way is totally un-democratic. It is akin to installing a Hitler or Stalin at the helm, where he can smash his oversized boots ( in which he is already far too big) down on our heads. It stinks!!

D. O'Rorke, Farnham, Surrey

Apropos the article - isn't it most probable that the Saudis believe Blair was personally responsible for what they considered an actively hostile act in setting the SFO on them?

They appear to have concluded that this episode started and ended with Blair. That compared to past and prospective future relations it was an abberation. However in waiting for Brown - or whoever - they wish to be sure - and have signalled that - that there has been no systemic change.

Bob T, London, UK

Good news for the U.K. but it`s a pity we have to wait untill Brown, if or when takes office. I used to think any change from Blair would be an improvement but now Brown seems likely to be a change for the worse.

Denver Watt, Osakaj, UK

Good for the U.K. but it`s a pity we have to wait untill if or when Brown takes office. Do the Saudis think Brown would be a change for the better. Althougth it`s hard to imagine who could be worse than Blair. But Brown deserves the chance to emulate what Jim Callahagn did in May 1979.

Denver Watt, Osakaj, UK

"Saudis hold back on signing BAE deal until Brown in No 10"

Then it is unlikely that this deal will go ahead

Mark R, coventry,

Good for the UK but it`s a pity we have to wait untill if or when Brown takes office. Do the Saudi`s think he is an improvement on Blair. Or maybe they want him to emulate what Jim Callahagn did in May 1979.

Denver Watt, Osaka, UK