By Rosa Prince | Telegraph.co.uk
In a statement, David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, revealed that a team of officials will accompany the doctor to prepare for the Ethiopian-born former British resident’s return to the UK.
Britain is seeking to secure Mr Mohamed’s release from Guantanamo Bay, where he is believed to be in a fragile condition after going on hunger strike in protest at the refusal of the US authorities to release documents said to show British security service involvement in his torture.
Mr Miliband said: “We have long been concerned by reports of Mr Mohamed’s welfare and medical condition.
“The visit will help us make preparations for his return, should the review confirm a decision to release him.
“The team will include a medical examiner, who would take part in any return, so that he may assess Mr Mohamed’s condition himself and report back.”
Matthew Elliott, of the TaxPayers’ Alliance criticised the use of public funds. He said: “If he continues his hunger strike during the flight, that’s his problem. Why should any additional cost be placed on British taxpayers when the prisoners of Guantanamo all wanted the camp to be closed?”