Rasul et al v. Bush (Hansard, 15 January 2004)

§ 23. Mr. David Heath (Somerton and Frome) (LD)
What discussions the Attorney-General has had with the Attorney-General of the United States on the subject of the amicus brief prepared on behalf of parliamentarians in the matter of Rasul et al v. Bush. [147845]

§ The Solicitor-General (Ms Harriet Harman)
The Attorney-General has not discussed the proposed amicus brief in the case of Rasul et al v. Bush as part of his discussions with the US authorities about the UK detainees in Guanatamo Bay.

§ Mr. Heath
That is very disappointing, particularly given that it has been supported by four former Law Lords, a former Master of the Rolls and 85 right hon. and hon. Members of this House, including three former Cabinet Ministers and, indeed, the right hon. and learned Lady's predecessor. One wonders why the Government have not involved themselves in some action on behalf of British citizens who are incorrectly imprisoned.
Can the Solicitor-General update the House on the negotiations that the Attorney-General has entered into? We heard from Ambassador Pierre-Richard Prosper a week ago that some movement was imminent, but that now seems premature, and the prospects are rather disappointing. Will she enlighten us as to when these people will either face due process or be released?

§ The Solicitor-General
The Attorney-General and I are being kept informed about the proposed amicus that is being prepared by the peers and hon. Members, including my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Dudley, North (Ross Cranston), to whom the hon. Gentleman referred.
As far as we are concerned, I refer the hon. Gentleman to what the Prime Minister said to this House on 7 January: I hope that we will shortly be able to tell the House how the issue will be handled".—[Official Report, 7 January 2004; Vol. 416, c. 253.] He went further on 11 January, saying: I think it will be resolved one way or another in the next few weeks".
The timeframe of the Supreme Court is far beyond that, so we have a nearer focus on the matter. I remind the hon. Gentleman that the Prime Minister said that the timeframe is within "the next few weeks".