In response to Liberty’s request for police to investigate allegations that CIA flights taking suspects to face torture have landed at UK airports, Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Michael Todd today confirmed that he will look into “extraordinary rendition” flights on behalf of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

According to Chief Constable Todd, the police have begun initial inquiries and will follow Liberty’s recommendations for further questioning. The police have also asked for further evidence.

As a result, Liberty calls on anyone with information about CIA flights using UK airspace / airports or other relevant information to contact us. The information can be given anonymously and may be shared with the relevant authorities leading the inquiry.

Liberty and Chief Constable Todd will hold a second meeting in January to discuss the preliminary findings.

Director of Liberty Shami Chakrabarti said:

“We are very pleased that the police are taking these concerns seriously. If suspects are being taken through the UK on their way to face torture, there have been serious breaches of international and domestic law. We intend to help the police and call on individuals with any information to come forward.”

Liberty Press Office on 020 7378 3656 or 07973 831128

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. On 30 November, Liberty called on the Police Chief Constables of Bedfordshire, Dorset, Essex, Hampshire, the Metropolitan Police, the Ministry of Defence Police, Suffolk, Sussex, Thames Valley, and West Midlands to conduct an investigation and on Foreign Secretary Jack Straw to seek assurances by 14 December from the USA that it is not using UK airports to transport suspects to countries that torture. Liberty has not had a response from the Government to date.

2. Liberty’s call to action against extraordinary rendition is part of its “No torture, no compromise” campaign which seeks to make the UK government honour its positive obligation to stop torture and ill-treatment.

3. Andrew Tyrie MP has launched an All Parliamentary Party Group which is investigating claims that CIA planes carrying terrorist suspects have landed at British airfields.

4. The Guardian revealed on 6 December and 12 September 2005 that airports in Biggin Hill, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Brize Norton, Farnborough, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, RAF Mildenhall, Northolt, and Stansted have allowed CIA or CIA-chartered jets to land temporarily. These aircraft had flown into the UK approximately 210 times since 2001.