Sir Ming backs Omar campaign

8.10.29pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 17th Jun 2006

Sir Ming Campbell, the leader of the Liberal Democrats has backed the campaign to secure justice for Guantanamo detainee Omar Deghayes.

Menzies Campbell has asked the US authorities for permission to visit the military camp in Cuba. His spokesman said that, if granted entry, he would look at all cases of former British residents held in the camp.

"He is very supportive of the campaign for Omar, as with all other detainees," said the spokesman.

Mr Deghayes, from Saltdean, Brighton, is one of about 460 detainees who have been held for more than four years without charge.

Sir Menzies, who described Guantanamo as an "outrage" which "violates every known legal principle", wants to see for himself conditions at the camp in the wake of the suicide of three detainees last week.

However, he said he would not go unless he was granted full access to the inmates.