SNP WELCOME AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL RENDITION REPORT
Posted on Tuesday, April 4 2006
"This publication further adds to the pressure on the Scottish Executive and the UK government to come clean"The SNP’s shadow Foreign Office spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP, today (Wednesday) welcomed the publication of Amnesty International's report into CIA rendition flights through Scotland. The report highlights serious new concerns over UK involvement in secret CIA "rendition" flights.In January 2006, the SNP published a report listing between 40 and 50 alleged intelligence flights through Scottish airports. Angus Robertson MP, SNP Foreign Affairs and Defence spokesperson, called on both the Labour/LibDem Executive and the UK government for transparency on the details of the allegations.With the publication of their report, Amnesty International has called for a full independent public inquiry into all aspects of the UK's involvement in this much criticized and hushed-up practice.Commenting on the publication of Amnesty International's report and the continuous silence by the Labour/LibDem Executive and the UK government, Mr Robertson said:"This report adds to the number of concerns raised by ourselves and the public. It adds pressure on the UK government to be open on the subject. We know from a leaked Whitehall memo that Ministers have been instructed to avoid the details of this issue."In January, the SNP published a report listing between 40 and 50 intelligence flights through Scottish airports. Some of the planes have been linked with the transportation of prisoners. At the time of publishing we invited the Labour/LibDem Executive to look into the matter and clarify their involvement. To date, no such clarification has beenforthcoming."This is a serious issue about our standing in the world and the UK government and Labour/LibDem Executive need to end the culture of secrecy. If we are to effectively combat terrorist extremism we need to maintain the highest human rights standards and the UK is creating a bad impression with obfuscation and spin."There is serious concern across the political spectrum about US rendition flights. These concerns will be considerably heightened by Amnesty International's new report."However, it is galling to listen to the high moral tone of the Liberal Democrats about the need for full disclosure and investigations, when their own government ministers in Scotland are doing nothing about it."Despite the criminal justice system and many transport matters being devolved, the Liberal Democrats are pursuing a "hear evil, see evil, but do nothing policy"."ENDS
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