A judge-led inquiry is needed to get to the truth about British complicity in torture

A decision by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) not to press charges against former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and former head of terrorism at M16 Sir Mark Allen increases pressure on the Prime Minister to deliver a judge-led inquiry into the rendition to Libya and subsequent torture of Libyan dissidents Abdul Hakim Belhaj and Sami al Saadi and their families.

Sonya Sceats, Policy and Advocacy Director at Freedom from Torture, says:

"The full truth about British complicity in torture still has to be smoked out, even if this will not happen in a criminal court. The gravity of the issues and legal obligation for a human rights compliant process mean that David Cameron must make good on his promise to hold a judge-led inquiry.

By taking this step, the Prime Minister can start to repair the damage done to the UK's reputation, support those working inside the intelligence services to prevent further British involvement in torture, and deliver justice for the survivors who endured unspeakable brutality at the hands of our security partners in Libya and elsewhere."