Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Williams of Crosby (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Tuesday, 17 March 2009.

Binyam Mohamed

Question: My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply and turn to its second part. I think that most of us would agree that the first duty of a democratic Parliament is to hold the Executive to account; that is the very core of what it is there for. The House will be aware that we now have allegations—I repeat, allegations—of British complicity in extraordinary rendition and torture from Morocco, Egypt, the Gambia, Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and some other places. Even more embarrassingly, we have a United Nations report on the matter which holds Britain responsible for illegal and concealing acts. In the light of such rumours, would it not be better for a country with our reputation and standing in the world to appoint an independent inquiry to go into these matters, which go far beyond the case of Binyam Mohamed, so that the air can be cleared and we can once again assume our position in the world as supporters of civil liberties and freedom?

Answer: My Lords, as supporters of civil liberties and freedom we all have a very significant responsibility. The noble Baroness says that our first responsibility is to keep the Executive under control and accountable. That is indeed a very important responsibility although it is perhaps not quite as important as protecting the lives and well-being of our own citizens, which have come under threat from terrorism. Although there is obviously a balance to be struck there, accountability is a very important principle that must come throughout our considerations. The noble Baroness asks whether we should have a public inquiry. I think that the Government have made it clear that that is not an appropriate way forward. We have the Intelligence and Security Committee which provides oversight of the intelligence agencies. It is important that the Government should keep that body well informed. As the House will know, the matter of possible criminal wrongdoing has been referred to the Attorney-General, who was here to answer questions and, I hope, to convince the House of the seriousness with which she will investigate this matter.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 709 c116-7
Session: 2008-09
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Detainees Armed forces Intelligence services Prisoners' transfers Terrorism Torture Rendition Iraq Peacekeeping operations MI5 Afghanistan
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk