John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

While unlawful combatants are not entitled to any protection under the third Geneva Convention they must be granted their rights under the fourth Geneva Convention; they must be "treated with humanity and, in case of trial, ... not be deprived of the rights of fair and regular trial." I urge the Government to prevail on the US Administration to end the practice of extraordinary rendition immediately.

I had also intended to urge the Government to raise this matter at the highest levels within the EU; however events in the last 24 hours have somewhat overtaken me. I welcome reports that the Foreign Office in the UK, as holders of the EU Presidency, will be contacting the US Administration on behalf of the EU seeking information on the existence of clandestine CIA prison camps in eastern Europe.