Written question asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Taylor of Bolton (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 March 2009.

Armed Forces: Detention

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Statement by Lord Tunnicliffe on 26 February on Armed Forces: Detention (Official Report, House of Lords, cols. 352–55), whether they will publish information about the system enabling HM armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan to detain people posing a threat to United Kingdom troops, allies or the local population while ensuring that the United Kingdom's obligations are complied with, including the safeguards against abuse.

Answer: Further to my noble friend's Statement to the House on 26 February outlining the improvements, particularly on detention record keeping, the MoD has made to its detention practices, we have put in place rigorous safeguards to ensure that detainees are treated properly. We will continue to carry out detention operations in accordance with our legal and policy obligations, in concert with the US and other allies. I have nothing further to add to what was said with regard to the Memoranda of Understanding the UK has entered into with other nations to protect against potential abuse of detainees.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1865; 709 c35-6WA
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Armed Forces: Detention
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Lords
Subjects: Detainees Armed forces Human rights Iraq International law Peacekeeping operations Afghanistan
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk