British shocked by pictures of prisoners in Cuba

The British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, has demanded an explanation of the circumstances in which photographs of al Qaeda prisoners being held by the US at its Cuba naval base, were taken as fresh controversy erupted over their treatment.

Mr Straw insisted that suspected terrorists being held in Cuba must be treated humanely and within international law.

The Foreign Secretary was forced to respond to the pictures showing the shackled kneeling suspects wearing rubber goggles, ear protectors, face masks and heavy gloves which sparked a fresh outcry from pressure groups and MPs.

Amnesty International said the pictures were "shocking" while members of the all-party Parliamentary Human Rights Committee asked for a meeting with the US ambassador to discuss the case.

The pictures suggested the prisoners may be subjected to sensory deprivation, but Downing Street accused commentators of "rushing to judgment".

A team of British officials left the military base last night after assessing the condition of British detainees. They will travel to Washington before briefing Ministers on the situation.

Red Cross observers also left the base after a mission to assess the detainees' condition.

Mr Straw said: "The British Government's position is that prisoners - regardless of their technical status - should be treated humanely and in accordance with customary international law."

He added: "I await the British officials' report. As for the photographs of detainees published today, I have asked our officials in Guantanamo Bay to establish with the US the circumstances in which these photographs were taken."

- INDEPENDENT