§ Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations, including requests to meet with clients, he has had from the legal representatives of United Kingdom citizens detained in Cuba by the United States as suspected members of the Al-Qaeda terrorist group; what representations he has made to his United States counterparts in respect of the application of due legal process to these detainees; what information he has collated on the nature of the charges they face; and if he will make a statement on the compatibility of the conditions under which they are being held with human rights commitments entered into by the United States. [90237]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe have received representations by the legal representatives and families of the detainees. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has spoken to the US Secretary of State several times about this issue, most recently on 5 January. Ministers and officials have raised it on numerous occasions with the US Government.
We continue to encourage the US to move forward with the process of determining the future of the British detainees. We have made our position clear that if they are charged they must have a fair trial. We understand that none have been charged. The US has given assurances that the detainees are being treated humanely and consistently with the principles of the Geneva Conventions. British officials have visited Guantanamo Bay to check on the welfare of the British nationals. I refer my hon. Friend to my Written Ministerial Statement of 11 December 2002, col. 17WS and the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for the City of Chester (Christine Russell) on 13 June 2002, Official Report, column 1402W.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the United States concerning the British prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay. [91117]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has discussed the issue of the British Detainees at Guantanamo Bay with the US authorities, most recently on 5 January, when he spoke to the US Secretary of State, Colin Powell.