Liberal Democrat MP questions authorities on rendition flights in and out of the West Midlands

9.00.00am GMT Thu 26th Nov 2009

Concern abbout "rendition" policy

Solihull's Liberal Democrat MP, Lorely Burt has written to Government Ministers and the Chief Executive of NATS in an attempt to uncover the truth about alleged 'rendition' flights in and out of Birmingham International Airport during early October last year.

Mrs Burt said she was "deeply concerned" by reports that military helicopters, and airliners operated by Comco, a contractor for the US Department of Defence, were reported to have flown in and left the following day.

Commenting today, Lorely Burt said "I have challenged Birmingham Airport on this matter, and they inform me it is not their job to 'police' the flights. Or to ascertain their origin or destination; neither do they have a responsibility to determine who might be on board, whether or not Birmingham is the final destination or passengers are in transit.

The Solihull MP, who's constituency includes the airport, has asked for information on:

1. The nature of the flights recently reported

2. The owners of the Aircraft involved

3. The operators of the Aircraft involved

4. The charterer of the Aircraft involved

5. The origin (s) of the aircraft involved

6. The final destinations of the aircraft involved

7. The people on each aircraft involved, their origin and final destinations

8. The role played by the Contro Authorities in attending the flights

9. Which control authorities attended the flights

10. What flight plans were filed for the fights

11. What responsibility Birmingham Airport has towards such flights in investigating alleged illegal activity.

"Ultimately, Government must take responsibility for ensuring that British airports are never used as staging posts for prisoners who may be subject to torture anywhere in the world. That means that more information must be made available to aviation authorities. Airport operators also deserve clearer guidance to ensure that adequate checks and balances are in place," added Mrs Burt.