Torture Report Exposes the Need for a Judge-led Inquiry

Thursday, 28 June 2018

Responding to the Intelligence and Security reports released today:

Dominic Grieve has exposed systemic levels of UK support for torture and rendition operations up until 2010 despite the restrictions his Committee were operating under. But he makes clear in his statement today that he has been forced to “draw a line” under its inquiry after the Government refused access to key witnesses. The evidence the Committee heard amounted to just 6 minutes of oral evidence per case of torture or rendition with UK involvement. We have only scratched the surface. The Prime Minister has so far shown contempt for the committee’s work and its recommendations. She must now listen to cross party calls to deliver what the Government originally promised: an independent judge-led inquiry which can explore the dark corners the ISC could not reach. The Prime Minister must also publicly consult on her Torture Guidance which still to this day fails to protect both agents on the ground and hundreds of individuals at risk of mistreatment. More to come…