Labour split over Guantanamo two
The Labour government appears at odds on how best to deal with the two British suspects held at the US military base in Guantanamo Bay, who could face the death penalty over their alleged involvement with terror network Al-Qaeda.
Downing Street has made plain it is prepared to press US authorities to repatriate Feroz Abbasi and Moazzam Begg.
No 10 is concerned that the US military courts, which the two Britons are set to appear before, do not fall under the watchful eye of the American constitution.
But the Home Secretary David Blunkett has expressed reservations over the legality of repatriation. He has questioned whether the evidence derived from plea bargains would be inadmissible in British courts.
He also raised the question of whether extradition was viable given that the US has no jurisdiction in Guantanamo Bay.
Tony Blair, who visits Washington next week for talks with US counterpart George Bush, may ask his close ally to smooth the way for repatriation.
The PM may have to. He faces much opposition at home as 218 MPs signed a Commons motion calling for the men to be given an open trial.
The two, denied legal representation for 18 months, have yet to be charged.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is reported to have pressed his US counterpart Colin Powell twice in the past week for answers to the issue.
He too wants a “fair trail” for the two Britons.
In the Observer, Mr Straw said: “We have made our views clear to the US administration all the way through and we will continue to make clear our reservations about the process.
“One option would be to return British citizens to the United Kingdom. Our opposition to the death penalty is well known to the US and is being emphasised by us.”
