Written question asked by Peter Law (Independent (affiliation)) on Monday, 9 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 January 2006. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Monday, 16 January 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Airspace (Extraordinary Rendition)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his interview on the Today programme on 12 December 2005, what methodology was used to check the allegations made by Liberty to several chief constables, to which he referred, on the United States policy of rendition of detainees.

Answer: I refer the hon. Member to the reply to the Rt. hon. Member for North East Fife (Sir Menzies Campbell) on 12 December 2005 (Official Report, column 1652–1653 W) and to the Written Ministerial Statement my Rt. hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary gave on 10 January (Official Report, column 5WS). These demonstrate that the US Government has sought the UK Government's permission before using UK airports and airspace for the purpose of rendition.Since before 11 September 2001, we have worked closely with the US to achieve our shared goal of fighting terrorism. As part of that close co-operation, we have made clear to the US authorities, including in recent months:"that we expect them to seek permission to render detainees via UK territory and airspace (including the Overseas Territories and Sovereign Bases);""that we will grant permission only if we are satisfied that the rendition would accord with UK law and our international obligations, and""how we understand our obligations under the UN Convention Against Torture."We are clear that the US would not render a detainee through the UK without our permission. It has sought such permission in the past: in some cases we have agreed, in others we have not, as my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has made clear.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 41554; 441 c969-70W
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Airspace (Extraordinary Renditions)
Monday, 30 January 2006
Written questions
House of Commons; Airspace (Extraordinary Renditions)
Monday, 30 January 2006
Written questions
House of Commons; Terrorist Suspects (Renditions)
Monday, 12 December 2005
Written questions
House of Commons; Rendition: Additional Information
Tuesday, 10 January 2006
Written statements
House of Commons
Subjects: Detainees Deportation Aviation Aircraft Terrorism USA Rendition
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk