Regarding the BAE Systems bribery case, Antonia Senior’s column in today’s Times provides the best take on the morality of BAE’s dealings. Suffice to say those calling for heads to roll are being too simplistic. Indeed, a few years ago Tony Blair and the government made it fairly clear that there were limits to the authorities’ willingness to investigate and prosecute such wrongdoing — thus acknowledging the economic benefits companies like BAE bring to Britain.

As for the political ramifications, companies like BAE Systems employ thousands across the country. It might be nice for certain politicians to strike moralistic poses on this issue, but those of them (like John Hutton) who represent constituencies where defence industries have a substantial presence cannot afford this attitude. These constituencies will feel the heat if — as is expected — large defence procurement projects are shelved by the government as a means of cutting the deficit. Politicians and councillors from these places will not be amused if the authorities compound these difficulties by making it harder for the likes of BAE to compete for foreign business.