UK signs deportation deal with Libya

The government has announced that an agreement has been signed with Libya to deport foreign terror suspects without fear of them being tortured or mistreated.

The Foreign Office announced that a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed in Tripoli by Britain’s ambassador to Libya, Anthony Layden and Libyan Acting Secretary for European Affairs, Abdulati Ibrahim al-Obidi.

It follows the signing of a similar agreement with Jordan in August. Discussions are also continuing with Lebanon and Algeria and other North African and Middle East countries.

Under international convention, Britain cannot deport any foreign national to a country where they may face torture or execution. However, the purpose of the MOUs is to allow Britain to deport foreign nationals deemed to be a threat to national security, while still upholding the UK’s international obligations.

In a statement, the Foreign Office said: “The Government firmly believes that the assurances provided by this type of MOU should enable the British Courts to allow the deportation of foreign nationals who threaten national security or whose presence is not conducive to the public good; and that such deportations will uphold the UK's international obligations.

“The dreadful attacks in London on 7 July have served to remind us all of the tragic consequences of international terrorism and underline the need to work together for a truly effective international response. “

Commenting on the agreement, Home Secretary Charles Clarke said: "The signing today of the UK's second MOU, this time with Libya, demonstrates that we are making progress in concluding agreements that will allow us to safely deport foreign nationals. I believe these, and the other ongoing negotiations, are an example of the effective international co-operation that we need in order to confront and defeat the type of terrorism we now face.

“MOUs signed with other foreign Governments will enable us to demonstrate to the courts that the deportations of individuals' to whom they apply is entirely consistent with our international obligations, and so allow those deportations to proceed.

"As we confront the terrorist threat facing Britain today we have to ensure that the right of people to travel around freely is balanced with our international obligations to protect the rights of individuals facing torture.”

The Home Office has confirmed that 22 people are currently being detained and are facing deportation orders.

Human rights group Liberty has opposed the MOUs, expressing concerns about the deportation of suspects to countries with poor records on human rights.

(KMcA/GB)