MSP says rendition flight assurances 'worthless'
25.02.08
An MSP has said assurances from the UK Government that US rendition flights carrying prisoners to counties where they may have been tortured had not touched down in Scotland were 'worthless'. Jamie Hepburn, an SNP MSP, spoke out after it emerged British territory Diego Garcia, in the Indian Ocean, had been used as a refuelling stop for rendition flights.
The UK Government had given assurances that the US had not used British territory or airspace for such flights, having received assurances from the US and carried out an investigation. However, on Thursday Foreign Secretary David Miliband said he was 'very sorry' information given previously by ministers was incorrect.
It has been claimed by campaigners that Prestwick Airport has been used by the US to refuel planes carrying terrorist suspects to countries where torture is used including in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Mr. Hepburn has written to Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill to find out what assurances Scottish ministers have been given. Mr. MacAskill in turn has said he will write to Mr Miliband on the issue.
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