Lord Selkirk was criticised for his conduct following the violent confrontation and was not able fully to vindicate himself within his own lifetime.

BBC: Red River letters

Lord Selkirk, who was a Scottish Office Minister in 1988 and one of two ministers who attended the scene within hours of the attack, said that the families needed to know "exactly what happened" and "the background to this monstrous crime".

BBC: Peer calls for 'closure' over Lockerbie

Conservative peer Lord Selkirk of Douglas, who led the debate on the eve of Remembrance Day, said he supported the government's commitment to enshrine the military covenant in law and to report annually on housing, health and education for service personnel.

BBC: Remembrance day debate