Stephen's views on Rendition

The US has admitted the practice of rendition, but says that terrorist suspects are never rendered to states where they may be subject to torture. The question is what possible purpose is served by these transfers other than to subject individuals to harsher treatment than would otherwise be the case. Any such action would unquestionably violate international law.

Following pressure from the Liberal Democrats and human rights groups, the government has been forced to disclose that there have been at least two cases of rendition through the UK and hundreds of CIA flights the purposes of which are unknown. The government has failed to give a full account of what assistance British officials provided to these flights and how much was known about the US rendition programme.

The Liberal Democrats propose amendments to UK law to empower British police and customs officials to search a plane if there is intelligence that it is being used for unlawful rendition and believe that, under the Convention against Torture, the government has a legal obligation to inquire into these allegations.

I share fears that an 'ends justify the means' argument will be deployed to defend what is essentially indefensible and disproportionate action against terrorist suspects. I passionately believe we need to tackle global terrorism, but no government can simply use 'tough' rhetoric in order to divert attention from inhumane and potentially illegal treatment. Such behaviour is only likely to aid the terrorist cause in the long run.

My colleagues will continue to question the Government, and specifically the Prime Minister, on this major issue.