DETENTION AT HMP BELMARSH

Early day motion 1637, tabled 13 September 2004 by Kevin McNamara (Labour). Signed by 43 members.

That this House notes that almost three years have now elapsed since the Home Secretary ordered the detention of a number of foreign nationals suspected of terrorism under Part IV of the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, and that 12 men still remain interned in HMP Belmarsh; recalls the strong reservations expressed in the reports of the Newton Committee and of the Joint Committee on Human Rights; further notes the concerns of respected domestic and international non-governmental organisations; believes that derogation from international human rights obligations is injurious to Britain's standing in the international community and causes profound damage to community relations; further believes that detention without trial represents a breakdown of the rule of law and can only hinder protection of public safety and security; and urges Her Majesty's Government to find an acceptable alternative so that detainees can be tried before a court or released and re-united with their families without delay.

Signatures by party: Labour 23, Liberal Democrat 18, Labour/Co-operative 2.