A decision to drop an inquiry into alleged corruption involving a huge arms deal between Britain and Saudi Arabia has been declared illegal. The high court in London said the investigation by Britain's Serious Fraud Office should not been halted. Janet Barry has the details.

Investigation by the British Serious Fraud Office into alleged bribery and corruption arose out of $80 billion arms deal the British defence company BAE and the government in 1985. BA has always strongly denied making illegal payments to Saudi officials to secure the contracts. The inquiry was called off under pressure from the former prime minister Tony Blair two years ago on the ground that it threatens national security. Legal sources say today's ruling could have far reaching diplomatic and political implications. The judges of the high court said the British government fail to stand up for the rule of law and that dropping the SFO investigation was unlawful.