Guantanamo Civil Litigation Settlement

Debate between Lord Clarke of Nottingham and Kris Hopkins

Tuesday 16th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Clarke]

Exactly the same thoughts have crossed my mind, but I am bound by the confidentiality agreement and I must hope that everyone will abide by their legal obligations. However, I share the hon. Gentleman’s uncertainty.

[Kris Hopkins (Keighley) (Con)]

Might it be appropriate for us to seek to recover the costs of the compensation payments from those individuals who are responsible, in particular the former Labour Prime Minister, Tony Blair, who has made tens of millions of pounds since leaving this House?

[Mr Clarke]

The costs have been incurred in civil litigation between the detainees and the Government, and we have settled the matter. I do not think that that would be proper—I do not agree with my hon. Friend’s suggestion, and I do not think that there is really the slightest claim against the previous Prime Minister.