Pressure is mounting on Police Scotland to reopen a major investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against the late Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed, following the establishment of a new parliamentary group.
Cross-Party Push for a Fresh Inquiry
A Westminster all-party parliamentary group (APPG) has been formed this week specifically to monitor a separate Metropolitan Police probe into the allegations and to campaign for a full public inquiry into the scandal. The group's co-chairs, Wendy Chamberlain – the deputy leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats and a former police officer – and Labour MP Dave Robertson, have taken direct action by writing to Scotland’s Chief Constable, Jo Farrell.
In their letter, they formally urged the force to reassess its decision to close the investigation. They pointed to the ongoing work by the Met and the interest of the Independent Office for Police Conduct in how earlier complaints were handled as compelling reasons for a renewed effort in Scotland.
The Scale of the Allegations
The case involves more than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct made against Mohamed Al-Fayed, who died in 2023 at the age of 94. These serious claims date back as far as 1977 and include an allegation of rape at his estate in the Scottish Highlands, which was the specific focus of the Police Scotland investigation before it was closed.
At the time, Police Scotland stated the investigation could be reopened if new information emerged. The MPs' letter argues that the sheer volume of allegations and their cross-border nature constitutes precisely such new information. It states, "Given the earliest known allegation against Fayed dates back to 1977, the reports of trafficking, and accounts of horrendous sexual abuse taking place over international borders, it seems entirely likely that crimes were committed within Scotland."
Official Response and Next Steps
A spokesperson for Police Scotland has confirmed receipt of the letter from the APPG, stating, "We have received the letter and will respond in due course." This leaves the door open for a potential reassessment of the case, which has drawn significant public and political attention due to the number of alleged survivors and the high-profile nature of the accused.
The formation of the APPG and its immediate action signifies a determined political effort to ensure the allegations are thoroughly investigated across all jurisdictions, despite Al-Fayed's death.
