Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure the release of Mr Shaker Aamer following his clearance for release from Guantanamo Bay.

Following the meeting on 16 January between the Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron), and President Obama, Mr Aamer’s case has been prioritised for review through an interagency process which involves six government departments. The review is currently underway.

It is necessary for the British Government to keep the details of diplomatic discussions with the US Administration confidential. Any breach of the US Administration’s expectation of confidentiality would be likely to hinder UK efforts to secure Mr Aamer’s release and return.

However, Mr Aamer’s case remains a high priority for the Government and we continue to make clear to the US that we want him released and returned to the UK as a matter of urgency. We are confident that the US government understands the seriousness of the UK’s request for Mr Aamer’s release.