Al-Megrahi's appeal was turned down

Earlier this month, al-Megrahi lost his appeal against his life sentence for the bombing of Pan Am flight 103, which exploded over Lockerbie in 1988, killing all 259 people on board and 11 townspeople.

Mr Brown said: "It is clear that al-Megrahi did not act alone and like so many terrorist activities, it has to be recognised that governments often lie behind the acts perpetrated."

After talks with families of the victims, Mr Brown said it was clear that they did not want sympathy.

He said: "They want answers and they won't rest until they get them."

Mr Brown insisted that a government-led inquiry could still take place, despite being ruled out by the Tories when they were in government.

Change of position

He said: "The possibility of a full inquiry was firmly rejected by the previous Conservative Government because they believed that any public scrutiny into airport security would be against the public interest."

Russell Brown said an inquiry is vital

But the MP said the Conservatives were also against a trial outside Scotland, a view which changed when Robin Cook became foreign secretary in the Labour Government.

"There is therefore no reason why the Foreign Office should not also change its mind in relation to an inquiry and that is what I will be calling for when I meet Jack Straw," Mr Brown said.

He would also raise the issue of compensation from the Libyan Government, he said.

Al-Megrahi was found guilty in January 2001 following a trial under Scottish law in the Netherlands.

His appeal against his conviction was rejected by judges at the special Scottish court at the Camp Zeist compound on 14 March this year and he was then transferred to Glasgow's Barlinnie Prison.