We Will Not Give Up On Guantanamo - Teather
December 13, 2006 12:00 AM
Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East, Sarah Teather, has this week written to Margaret Beckett, the Foreign Secretary, asking for a meeting about Brent Resident Jamil El-Banna, and raised his case in the House of Commons.
Jamil El-Banna is currently being held without charge or trial by the American Government in the detainment camp. Local MP Sarah Teather has been running a campaign to have Jamil either put on trial in a court of law, or released so that he may rejoin his family in Brent.
The European Parliament last week released a report condemning the British Government for failing to assist Jamil. Sarah Teather has consistently raised his case with the Government and has vowed to continue fighting for the El-Banna family in parliament.
Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:
"It is outrageous that despite a European Parliament report showing their complicity in Jamil's kidnapping and detainment, the Government still refuse to make representations on my constituent's behalf. The Foreign Secretary must meet with the El-Banna family to see the terrible impact her disastrous policy is having on their lives.
"I was glad to bring this case before parliament. However, given the Labour Government's previous record in standing up to George Bush and the United States, we cannot be too hopeful that they will listen to our demands."
"I will continue to work closely with Jamil's family and local campaigners. We will not give up until Jamil is brought back to where he belongs: here in Brent with his family and friends."
Sarah is also calling for another big push on collecting signatures for the petition to have Jamil released, which she plans to present to parliament in the New Year to mark the 5th anniversary of Guantánamo's opening. The Brent MP is urging local people to add their name if they have not already done so.
"I would urge all local people to sign the Willesden and Brent Times' petition, which I will present to parliament in the New Year. Together, we can show the Government that they cannot treat a member of our community in this way."
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