HL Deb 17 November 2003 vol 654 c243WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will request the United States Government to bring the prisoners held at Guantanamo, Cuba, before a competent tribunal in order to determine their status, in accordance with Article 5 of the Geneva Convention. [HL5336]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The legal status under international law of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay is a complex matter that has to be considered in the light of the facts of each individual detainee.

We believe that whatever their status, the detainees are entitled to humane treatment, and if prosecuted, a fair trial and have made this point clear in discussions with the United States. The United States has said that it will treat the detainees humanely and consistently with the principles of the Geneva conventions.