Counsel for the Scottish Executive Gerry Moynihan QC told Lord Clarke he was unable to give an undertaking that the condemned animals would not be culled.

BBC: Cull respite for sanctuary owner

Documents show the UK government also refused to give an undertaking that the military task force (at that time on its way to the south Atlantic) would be halted "much less turned back" during a period of any Argentine military withdrawal.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

As part of a 10-point plan to clean up the Tour, all riders have to sign an ethical charter, team managers and doctors have to give an undertaking not to prescribe banned substances and before the race riders will be lectured on the long-term health consequences of doping.

BBC: Battle against drug peddlers continues

Mr Layden said the UK government had asked Jordanian prosecutors if they would give "an undertaking in advance that they would not rely on the statements" gained through torture, but the Jordanians refused.

BBC: Abu Qatada appeal: UK asked Jordan to grant pardon

He wants only to light a small fire, enough to cook a simple meal, nothing more, hardly an undertaking momentous enough to give rise to premonitions such as these.

NPR: Excerpt: 'Woodsburner'