Intelligence and Security Services: Treatment of Detainees

Earl Attlee Excerpts

Tuesday 6th July 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Dholakia]

My Lords—

[Earl Attlee]

My Lords, I think that we should hear from the Cross Benches—or, rather, the Lib Dems first.

[Lord Dholakia]

My Lords, I join my noble friend the Leader of the House in paying tribute to those who have lost their lives in recent days in Afghanistan. The torture allegation has been a shameful episode for the good name of our country and we welcome this inquiry. I hope that it will be able to look at why this has taken such a long time and that it will question the previous Administration about why the inquiry was not held much earlier. We are aware of the constraints placed on the coalition Government, as a number of outstanding issues need to be resolved, but I have two questions for the Minister. First, does the payment of compensation before the inquiry has reported compromise it in any way? Secondly, the Statement mentions our co-operation on intelligence matters with other countries, particularly the USA. Would it be possible for the inquiry to take evidence from those countries that are involved in the torture allegations?

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Mackay of Clashfern]

My Lords—

[Earl Attlee]

My Lords, I think we should hear from my noble and learned friend Lord Mackay of Clashfern.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Lord Bishop of Chester]

My Lords—

[Earl Attlee]

My Lords, shall we hear from the noble Baroness, Lady Hamwee, and then the noble Lord, Lord Howarth?

[Noble Lords]

Bishop!