Euro-MP rendition inquiry leader backs UK torture probe call (Newham Borough Liberal Democrats)

Newham Borough Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Euro-MP rendition inquiry leader backs UK torture probe call

March 21, 2010 10:00 AM
Originally published by Sarah Ludford MEP

Liberal Democrat London MEP Sarah Ludford is backing the call by leading human rights organisations for a judicial inquiry into UK involvement in rendition, disappearance and mistreatment of detainees.

The party's European justice & human rights spokeswoman, Sarah Ludford was vice-chair of the European Parliament's inquiry 3 years ago into European collusion with extraordinary rendition and torture.

"The calls for a UK independent public inquiry into allegations of British complicity in torture and illegal imprisonment have been heard for years from disparate lawyers, human rights bodies and politicians including Liberal Democrats. But recent revelations are uniting these demands into one coordinated, determined and angry push."

"Given the grave nature of the allegations, accountability and truth about what really happened is even more important than individual prosecutions. Whatever government we have in the next few months must establish a public inquiry led by a judge into Britain's post-9/11 record."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The following open letter has been sent to The Guardian, The Independent, The Times, The Telegraph, The Daily Mail.

Dear Sirs,

In light of the string of recent revelations, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Extraordinary Rendition, Amnesty International UK, Human Rights Watch, Liberty and Reprieve have united to call on the UK Government to establish an independent inquiry into the UK's involvement in extraordinary rendition and the mistreatment of detainees abroad. The public should not have to rely on occasional speeches and lengthy judicial cases to discover the truth about such a serious issue.

We propose that such an inquiry should examine, amongst other issues, the use of UK territory and airspace, the involvement of the intelligence agencies and the involvement of the Armed Forces. The inquiry should be guided by the following statement of principles; it should:

1. be led by a judge or former judge. It should benefit from appropriate legal representation on the inquiry's panel. This is essential to give the inquiry independence and legitimacy;

2. be public, with as much evidence as possible heard in public. The government should disclose all relevant documents to the inquiry, and the head of the inquiry must have the power to then decide what should be made public;

3. aim to achieve maximum possible disclosure;

4. publish a report, making any necessary recommendations including on changes to law and / or policy;

5. Consider any other such matters as it considers appropriate and accept and consider written submissions from interested parties.

Signed,

All Party Parliamentary Group on Extraordinary Rendition;

Amnesty International UK;

Human Rights Watch;

Liberty;

Reprieve.