A trial of the charges against Senator Pinochet, however desirable, was simply no longer possible UK Home Secretary Jack Straw

Only a last-minute legal challenge could have delayed the general's departure.

But Spain, Switzerland, Belgium and France - the countries seeking his extradition - said they would not, or could not, appeal.

Mr Straw made his decision after re-examining a medical report filed on General Pinochet in January.

Speaking to MPs in the House of Commons shortly after General Pinochet's departure Mr Straw said he was aware the general was now unlikely to stand trial.

"I was driven to the conclusion that a trial of the charges against Senator Pinochet, however desirable, was simply no longer possible," Mr Straw said.

The Conservatives have welcomed today's decision, but leader William Hague accused Labour of incompetence.

He said �4m of public money had been wasted on "moral posturing" which had achieved nothing.

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