Re: Blair in public split with Bush

[Chris Burford <cburford@xxxxxxxxxx>]

In answer to Michael's question [below] my impression is that it has
all been handled very discretely by the British government, which did
nothing to fan the controversy when the previously released detainees
gave a number of interviews.

But the Guardian article which I quoted, refers to Blair's split with
Bush on this question emerging in the course of a legal response to an
application by lawyers on behalf of some of those Brits who are still
detained, that the British government must appeal for their release.
Blair has now done this.

It is typical of New Labour to handle all these issues as purely
technical ones of social and economic engineering, and I cannot prove
that Blair is using this issue to distance himself slightly from Bush.
I think his action is multiply determined as so many things are, but I
think you can guess the background briefings behind the scenes in
which government spokepersons spread the word in studied undertones,
that, of course, the British government's position is not identical to
that of the US administration.

As for the previously released Brits I am not aware they have found a
legal opening to sue. The British government probably meets with them,
sounds very willing to help if only a way can be found, but
unfortunately cannot see a way to help in this murky legal
situation... However, of course, the British government is already to
signatory to the International Criminal Court, does uphold the
principle of the rule of international law, [while wishing to rewrite
it if you are Tony Blair] and things are moving in more accountable
direction. etc etc....

Perhaps another Brit subscriber knows more or could even get their MP
to forward a well-phrased question to the Home Secretary, which is the
only way to ensure a reply.

Chris Burford
London


----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Perelman" <michael@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <PEN-L@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, June 26, 2004 12:45 PM
Subject: Re: [PEN-L] Blair in public split with Bush


> What was the response to the other released Gitmo Brits having been
accused falsely?