HC Deb 24 March 2003 vol 402 c70W
Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements are in place for(a) consular and (b) Red Cross visits to British detainees held on Guantanamo Bay. [102679]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

As Guantanamo Bay is outside a recognised consular district, the US does not consider that we are entitled to formal consular access there. However, British officials have visited on four occasions to check on the welfare of the British nationals and ask questions relating to National Security. We were the first country to visit its nationals.

We understand that the International Committee of the Red Cross no longer maintain a permanent presence at Guantanamo Bay, however they visit there approximately every six months for an extended period of up to three months the committee has confidential access to the detainees there. We understand that it can raise issues of concern, if necessary, with the camp authorities.