Conservatives exposed as MEPs take action on Guantanamo

3.10.00pm GMT Wed 4th Feb 2009

MEPs across the party political spectrum have joined together to overwhelming pass a resolution calling on EU governments to be prepared to resettle Guantanamo Bay detainees. The focus is on those cleared for release but unable to return to their own countries because they are stateless or would be persecuted.

The resolution was passed by a big majority (542 out of 648, which is 84% of those present and voting). The British Conservatives abstained, even though two-thirds of MEPs from their centre-right political group, the European People's Party, voted for the resolution.

Liberal Democrat European justice & human rights spokeswoman and co-sponsor of the resolution Sarah Ludford MEP said:

"In a remarkable display of cross-party unity, MEPs are prodding EU Member States to end their prevarication and prepare to accept low- or no-risk former Guantanamo detainees if the US requests our cooperation. Otherwise the demand by many politicians and governments in Europe for the closure of Guantanamo would be exposed as just hot air."

"The primary responsibility for resettlement of those who will not be tried rests with the US. But Europe has every interest in restoring the rule of law, ending the terrorist recruitment symbol that Guantanamo has become and pulling down the shutters on the disastrous 'war on terror'. The UK claims it has done its share, but it can help get other countries on board by setting a good example."

"The failure by British Conservatives to back the resolution is at odds with the sentiments of their leader David Cameron who last September condemned Guantanamo, saying 'we must not turn a blind eye to the excesses of our allies...otherwise.... we open ourselves to charges of hypocrisy'."