Johannesburg : British Prime Minister Tony Blair came under renewed pressure last night to reveal his role in the South African arms deal as the UK attorney-general joined the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged bribery of foreign officials in securing contracts.

Under scrutiny is a deal dating back to 1999 when the British arms manufacturer BAe won a R30 billion contract to supply SA with military aircraft, including 24 Hawk fighter trainers.

Media reports and statements issued by British opposition parties contend that Blair acted on behalf of BAe, and exerted his political influence to influence the multibillion rand deals, and are calling on him to reveal his role in it all.

Britain's attorney general, Lord Goldsmith, rowed in behind them yesterday, saying that the BAe deals must be thoroughly investigated.

In a letter to the leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Menzies Campbell, Lord Goldsmith said "it would be quite wrong to suppose any company in particular is above the law," and that he was "determined that we need to redouble our efforts" to tackle "the lines of investigation relating to BAe with renewed vigour."

With acknowledgements to Fiona Forde and Cape Times.