Finding of non-complicity in torture flights unconvincing

4.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 25th Jul 2007

Reacting to the publication of a report on rendition by the Intelligence and Security committee of MPs (which is censored by the prime minister), Liberal Democrat MEP Sarah Ludford said:

"Their key finding of no evidence that UK intelligence agencies were complicit in 'extraordinary rendition' operations is inexplicable, given their documentation of cooperation with US operations amid growing awareness of illegality."

"Just 2 months after 9/11, George Bush announced a policy of indefinite detention and military tribunals. He then set up Guantanamo. Credible reports of mistreatment and even torture soon emerged. For UK agencies to have continued to supply intelligence and allowed British citizens and residents to be abducted, whether or not on the basis of assurances of good treatment, was either an absurdly naïve, or intentional, gross breach of fundamental rights."

"Given, as the committee records, that the prime minister and foreign secretary had already been informed in late 2001 that British citizens could be denied fair trials and ministers were told in March 2002 about the rendition of Martin Mubanga to Guantanamo, it is clear that the government cannot shirk responsibility for collusion in the whole rotten American system of disappearances, black sites and torture."