Robert Brown demands independent investigator to examine rendition flights

12.00.00am GMT Fri 29th Feb 2008

Glasgow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown has demanded that the Scottish Government appoint an independent investigator to examine whether any Scottish airports were used as stop-off points by US flights for the purpose of extraordinary rendition.

During First Minister's Questions in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Brown called for the Government to raise with the Lord Advocate the possibility of appointing an independent investigator to look into this serious issue.

Commenting after First Minister's Questions, Mr Brown said:

"I am seriously concerned that Scottish airports may have been used for extraordinary rendition flights.

"Given the highly political nature of the issue, the independence of the Scottish prosecution system, and indeed the operational independence of Chief Constables, an independent investigator would have many advantages. It would be akin to the idea of Special Prosecutors used in the US.

"An independent investigator, perhaps a senior or retired Procurator Fiscal, would have the experience and knowledge to examine fully the allegations and evidence of the possible use of Prestwick, or any other Scottish airport, for illegal purposes in connection with rendition flights.

"The unique background to rendition flights requires specific measures to vindicate public concern on this issue. There is huge concern in Scotland about this issue."