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UK involvement with detainees in overseas counter-terrorism operations

On Tuesday 6 July the Prime Minister made a statement to Parliament in response to the serious allegations that have been made about the role the UK has played in the treatment of detainees held by other countries. He set out how the Government intends to settle the issues of the past, make clear the rules of operation for the future, and build a framework for justice that enhances both security and liberty.

As part of this work, and to be as clear as possible about the standards under which the intelligence agencies and armed forces operate, the Government has published “Consolidated Guidance to Intelligence Officers and Service Personnel on the Detention and Interviewing of Detainees Overseas, and on the Passing and Receipt of Intelligence Relating to Detainees”, together with a note of additional information from the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the Home Secretary, and the Defence Secretary.

The Prime Minister has also announced an independent Inquiry into UK involvement with detainees in overseas counter-terrorism operations and has written to the Inquiry Chair, Sir Peter Gibson, on the parameters of the Inquiry.

• Consolidated guidance to intelligence officers and service personnel [PDF 155KB, 16 pages]
• Note of additional information [PDF 117KB, 4 pages]
• Letter to Sir Peter Gibson, Inquiry Chair [PDF 183, 3 pages]

The Government has responded to issues raised in the media about the role of Sir Peter Gibson in relation to the Inquiry into the issues about the treatment of detainees. This is the response which was sent to the Reprieve organisation on behalf of Sir Peter.

• Government response to Reprieve about the role of Sir Peter Gibson [PDF 174, 6 pages]