Guantanamo Bay must close - Campbell

5.13.57pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 16th Feb 2006

Prisoners held in Guantanamo Bay

Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Menzies Campbell MP, today called for the Guantanamo Bay detention facilities to be closed, and the detainees to be released without delay or swiftly brought to trial. His demand follows the publication of a UN report on conditions in the camp.

Sir Menzies has written a letter today to the Prime Minister in which he calls on him to press the United States government to close the detention facilities.

He also asks the Prime Minister to confirm what representations have been made by the Government on behalf of British residents being held at Guantanamo Bay, and to clarify whether British officials have had any role in supporting or facilitating the transfer of individuals to the camp.

Commenting, Sir Menzies said "The systematic violation of human rights undermines the moral authority of the West and makes it impossible to win the long-term battle for hearts and minds. It is time for the Prime Minister to take action and to demand the closure of the camp. Detainees should either be charged or released. I also hope that the senior representatives of the Conservative Party presently visiting Washington will use the opportunity to make it plain that the present situation at Guantanamo Bay is intolerable."

"The findings of the UN report are deeply damaging. These practices can have no place in a civilised democracy."