To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has had discussions with the government of Ethiopia on the return of Mr Binyam Mohamed to that country. (259027)

We have kept the Government of Ethiopia informed of the progress of Mr. Binyam Mohamed’s release and return to the UK but we have not made representations on his transfer to Ethiopia. Our goal has been to contribute to US Government efforts to close Guantanamo Bay by securing the release and return to the UK of those who were legal residents in the UK prior to their detention. Mr. Binyam Mohamed’s return does not constitute a commitment by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary that he may remain permanently in the UK.