Moazzam Begg and Feroz Abbasi

HC Deb 20 November 2003 vol 413 cc1312-3W

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evidence he has received from the American Administration in support of their claim that they have the right to try Moazzam Begg and Feroz Abbasi as combatants; and if he will make a statement. [131805]

Mr. Mullin

The US authorities have made clear their view that the detainees at Guantanamo Bay are being held as enemy combatants. The question of the legal status of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay under international law depends on the facts relating to each individual detainee. The US, as the detaining power, has access to that information and in the first instance, the question of the status of the detainees is a matter for them.

Mr. Begg and Mr. Abbasi have been designated as eligible for Military Commissions, but have not yet been charged. Proceedings against them have been suspended pending the outcome of discussions between the British and US Governments.