The Rt. Hon. Kenneth Clarke MP
Secretary of State for Justice
Ministry of Justice
102 Petty France
London SW1H 9AJ

5th August 2011

Dear Ken,

I am deeply concerned about the forthcoming inquiry into the alleged torture and mistreatment of UK terror suspects by Sir Peter Gibson. Although the setting up of an inquiry was welcome, I share widespread concerns that it will in fact lack credibility and transparency; the very objects that it set out to achieve. You will be aware that many non-governmental organisations including Amnesty International, Justice, Reprieve and Liberty have withdrawn their cooperation from the inquiry on such grounds.

The inquiry is supposed to establish the truth about allegations that UK authorities were involved in the mistreatment of detainees held abroad. Moreover, the inquiry should play a key role in determining ways to ensure the UK is not responsible for, or associated with, torture, ill treatment or rendition in future, so it is essential that it is carried out correctly.

The terms of reference announced are such that it is my belief the inquiry will be unable to achieve these key objectives.

In order to accomplish these goals the inquiry must be independent of any institution, agency or person that may be the subject of investigation. This is essential in terms of credibility and confidence in the findings, as well as to help guarantee that the inquiry will be conducted with the thoroughness and impartiality it deserves. Most importantly, the inquiry must be transparent. This includes participation of the victims and other interested third parties, such as non-governmental organisations. The victims have a right to an effective investigation and so should be given access to key evidence and to individuals being questioned. Crucially, any decisions about what material should be made public must be taken independently and free from Government or other political influence.

If Sir Peter Gibson's inquiry is to inspire confidence in the public and in victims then it must reflect these basic principles. Allegations of torture are incredibly damaging for Britain and I hope you will share by commitment to an independent and just inquiry to deal with any wrong doing that may have occurred, and to protecting against future unlawful and immoral activity.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Lucas, MP, Brighton Pavilion