Inquiry into MI5 terror suspect torture claims

An inquiry into allegations that British secret services were complicit in the torture of terror suspects, some of them British citizens, is to be announced by the prime minister, David Cameron.

The probe could result in compensation payments to people who were mistreated by overseas security forces, but with the knowledge of MI5 and MI6.

Details of the inquiry, which will be led by a judge, are still being finalised, but an announcement could be made as soon as this week.

The investigation will focus on British residents who were held at Guantanamo Bay or by foreign security forces, including Pakistan's notorious ISI.

It will call witnesses from British security services and could cause tensions with the US, which has already warned that it will stop sharing classified information with Britain if it fears that it could be made public. However, it is likely that many of the hearings will take place behind closed doors because of fears over national security.

Although the previous government and the British security services have always denied colluding in torture, David Cameron has agreed that victims will be eligible for compensation if it is established that they were tortured with the knowledge of the UK.

The most celebrated case that the commission will investigate is that of British resident Binyam Mohamed (above), who spent seven years in American custody in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and claims that he was tortured with the knowledge and collusion of MI5.

Mohamed was held at many different prisons, including Guantanamo Bay where he spent four years, after his arrest in Pakistan in 2002. He was eventually released and returned to Britain in 2009. Although he was arrested on suspicion of being a terrorist he was never charged with any crime.

Former Conservative shadow home secretary David Davis, said: "It is vital that such an inquiry is led by a senior and impartial judge who is able to establish the facts beyond any doubt, to remove this stain on Britain's reputation, and to ensure that such allegations can never be made again."

Lord Carlile, the government's independent reviewer of anti-terrorist legislation, also welcomed the idea of a judge-led inquiry but warned that a series of criminal cases relating to the treatment of Mohamed would have to be completed before the probe begins. ·