HL Deb 22 March 2004 vol 659 cc75-6WA
Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In relation to the five British subjects now due to be released from Guantanamo Bay, when the Government first believed that each of them would not pose a threat to the security of the British people. [HL1455]

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)

All appropriate measures will be taken, in accordance with UK law, to seek to ensure that the five British nationals who were recently released from Guantanamo Bay will not pose a threat to the security of the British public.

Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they believe that each of the four British subjects not due to be released from Guantanamo Bay pose a threat to the security of the British people. [HL1456]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We shall continue our discussions with the United States authorities on the four British nationals detained at Guantanamo Bay. There are a range of security and other issues which we and the United States are considering in respect of these four men.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ask the United States authorities to supply all information they have on the five British citizens released from Guantanamo and returned to this country; and when they expect the five men will be reunited with their families. [HL1846]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The US Government have provided information about the five British citizens concerned to the British authorities. The men have now been reunited with their families.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they are making to the United States authorities to ensure fair trials for the four British citizens still held prisoner at Guantanamo. [HL1847]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

As my noble friend Lady Scotland of Asthal said on 24 February, "We shall continue our discussions with the United States authorities on the situation of the other four British detainees … Our overall position remains that the detainees should be either tried in accordance with international standards, or returned to the United Kingdom. We shall continue to work to resolve their positions". (Official Report, col. 123).

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they accept any responsibility for prisoners held at Guantanamo who were formerly residents, though not citizens of the United Kingdom; and, if so, what is that responsibility. [HL1848]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer I gave to his Question of 6 October 2003 (Official Report, col. WA 23).