§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made in relation to the human rights of British prisoners in Guantanamo Bay; and if he will make a statement. [118262]
§ Mr. StrawThe issue of the detainees' rights under international law is linked, at least in part, to the question of their status, which depends on all the facts of the individual cases. Whatever their status, the detainees are entitled to humane treatment and if prosecuted, a fair trial. We have made this clear to the United States authorities. They have assured us they will treat the detainees humanely and consistently with the principles of the Geneva Conventions.
UK officials visited the British detainees in Guantanamo Bay for a fifth time in April. As part of this visit they checked on the welfare of the detainees who appeared generally to be in sound physical health. The physical conditions of their detention appear to be satisfactory. We have raised any welfare concerns we may have with the US authorities.