Blair Must Stand Up To America - Teather

7.41.26pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 19th Feb 2007

Sarah Teather spoke to officials at the Pentagon on behalf of her constituents

Liberal Democrat MPs Sarah Teather (Brent East) and Ed Davey (Kingston and Surbiton) have returned to the UK after lobbying senior US politicians for their constituents in Guantánamo Bay.

Jamil el-Banna and Bisher al-Rawi have been in Guantánamo Bay for the last 4 years, held without trial or charge. Sarah and Ed decided to use the parliamentary recess to take the campaign to the American Senate in Washington DC

Sarah last visited Washington in March 2006. Since then there have been major changes in American politics, with the Democrats taking control of the Senate. This was good news for British Residents held in Guantánamo Bay. Now the British Government must stand up to George Bush by stepping up the pressure to have UK residents sent home.

Speaking on their return to the UK, local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East, Sarah Teather, said:

"The visit gave me another opportunity to speak with key US Representatives on behalf of my constituents.

"I was pleased to see senior Democrats growing more aware of the massive harm Guantánamo Bay does to America's reputation here in Britain. By flouting the fundamental democratic values of justice and the rule of international law, George Bush has created a recruiting sergeant for those who wish to commit evil acts.

"Only last week the European Parliament condemned the British Government for their complicity in the illegal detention and torture of UK residents. If Tony Blair really wants to right this wrong he must now be prepared to stand up and fight for my constituent's release.

"Every day that Jamil is imprisoned without charge brings more pain for his family and friends here in London. I will continue to lobby both the American and British Governments until my constituent is back home in Brent."