Euro MP backs Amnesty International call for extraordinary rendition inquiry

4.34.20pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 6th Apr 2006

Liz Lynne, Lib Dem MEP for the West Midlands and member of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, today backed calls from Amnesty International for a public inquiry into claims that the CIA have used UK airports for extraordinary rendition.

A report published by the human rights group today claims four aircraft believed to be controlled by the CIA have stopped at various airports in the UK more than 180 times in the last five years.

Speaking in Strasbourg today, Liz Lynne said:

"Amnesty International's report indicates the horrifying scale and severity of the 'extraordinary rendition' programme, which is nothing less than the outsourcing of torture. It can never be justified, and it is staggering that rendition has been "fully endorsed" by the Prime Minister."

"The Government must confront their American counterparts, and ask just how many detainees have been rendered through the United Kingdom, and where they are now."

"Britons are demanding answers. It is time for a full public inquiry."

ENDS