The proposal to deport people suspected of involvement in terrorism to states which are known by our Government to use torture is grotesque and immoral (letters, August 17). Unless the Government gags the judges to prevent them pronouncing on the legitimacy of such an act, it will also be declared unlawful.

The Government’s apparent disregard for a set of core legal values is unacceptable. These values were established precisely to ensure that they prevail in times when governments are under pressure to adopt extraordinary and cruel measures.

Where there is evidence that people have engaged in terrorism or are involved in any plans to do so, they should be prosecuted in accordance with established law. Our existing criminal procedure makes that perfectly possible. It would become easier were we to adopt the practice of several European states and make telephone intercept evidence admissible in court.

PETER CARTER, QC
Gray’s Inn, London

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