Documents that ended up in the hands of the National Transitional Council after the fall of Tripoli highlight Sir Mark Allen’s pivotal role, as head of MI6’s counter-terrorism unit, in fostering special ties between the Crown and the Libyan Jamahiriya.

Negotiations between the two states began soon after the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Aware of being next on the target list, Tripoli was attempting to resolve all outstanding disputes. Sir Mark Allen helped to facilitate the thawing of relations both with Washington and London (disarmament, Lockerbie, Bulgarian nurses ...)

His main counterpart in Libya was foreign intelligence chief Moussa Koussa, with whom he established a special relationship. In fact, Mr. Koussa defected in the middle of the hostilities to join him in London

On his retirement, Sir Mark Allen became a political consultant for BP and adviser to the Monitor Group, a lobbying firm that has defended the interests of Saif el-Islam Kadahafi and secured a public relations contract with the Jamihiriya.

The seized documents do not throw any light on Tony Blair’s role, who had become a highly paid consultant for the Libyan government.

Sir Mark Allen is accused of using Libyan jails for the torture of prisoners at the hands of MI6 agents, allowing them to evade British laws. He is soon expected to be heard by the Gibson Commission behind closed doors.