In the days following the release and high-profile return to Libya of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi in August 2009 , speculation about the possible involvement of the UK Government in the Scottish Government 's decision to release him grew , particularly after Saif Gaddafi , the son of Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi , said that Megrahi 's case had been discussed during business talks with the UK , and after Colonel Gaddafi thanked Brown for " encouraging " the release . This prompted Downing Street to confirm that Brown had discussed a possible release with Gaddafi during the G8 summit in Italy in July 2009 , but that a letter sent by Brown to the Libyan leader had stated , " When we met I stressed that , should the Scottish Government decide that Megrahi can return to Libya , this should be a purely private , family occasion "
G8 summit
35th G8 summit
Premiership of Gordon Brown