In the days following Megrahi 's release and return to Libya , speculation began to mount as to the possible involvement of the Westminster Government in the Scottish Government 's decision , particularly after Saif Gaddafi claimed that Megrahi 's case had been discussed during business talks with the UK , and after Colonel Gaddafi thanked Gordon 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 Executive decide that Megrahi can return to Libya , this should be a purely private , family occasion . ” It was also claimed that Business Secretary , Peter Mandelson , had met with Saif Gaddafi on at least two occasions at which a possible release had been discussed . Mandelson confirmed this , but said that he had told Gaddafi that any release was entirely a matter for the Scottish Justice Secretary . He went on to describe as " offensive " any suggestions that a release had been linked to a trade deal with Libya
G8 summit
35th G8 summit
Release of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi