§ Ross CranstonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the health of Shafiq Rasul in Camp X-ray; and what steps he has taken to ensure that Shafiq Rasul has access to legal advice and assistance. [53346]
§ Mr. BradshawBritish officials have paid two visits to British nationals detained at Guantanamo Bay. On both occasions, the detainees, including Mr. Rasul, appeared in satisfactory physical condition and did not complain of any mistreatment.
In response to our approaches, the US Government have given us the assurance that they would treat all the detainees humanely and consistently with the principles of the Geneva Convention.
The question of access to legal representation by the detainees has recently been the subject of judicial review proceedings in the High Court. An application has been made to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal against the High Court's decision. I am not in a position therefore to comment further on this matter.