One would imagine with so much 'evidence' against these men the US gov would have no difficulty in securing a punishment for them through the legal process in a court. Unless this is like the hot air which come out of the US gov under the guise of 'war on terror'. Bring them back. If they are guilty punish them through the process of law, and if they are innocent as Clive Stafford Smith suggests, then set them free. Does anyone really think that the UK gov would be so foolish as to release, free, people who may threaten our safety?

Farrukh, Woking, UK

There were 3 young men, aged 13-15, that were held there a couple of years ago, but they were returned to Afghanistan beginning of 2004. These 'innocent children' killed american soldiers on the battlefield by the way, but whatever, your agenda won't allow you to consider those kind of facts. Similiarly, I'm sure there are still 16-18 year old 'kids' being held there. Perhaps your government would like those as well.

I sincerely hope you get your 'citizens' back and may they do you proud.

Mark, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana

I think that the US should probably either charge or release the Guantanamo detainees. HOWEVER, these 5, if released, should be sent back to their own countries. We have enough dangerous foreigners living amongst us, there's no need to welcome yet more. Furthermore, on what basis were these individuals originally granted leave to remain here? Probably it was decidedly dodgy, as with the majority of 'refugees' who've managed to worm their way in to our country.

Charlotte Lewis, Croydon, UK

Why does the Labour government want to bring these people back and not care about the safety of the British people?

Kevin Smith, London, England

They aren't even citizens. This is completely strange.

Dan , manchester,

Well done looney lefties................this is getting crazy, when will the UK wake up to the fact, we must stop imigration, vet who comes to this Country and NOT let terrorists in!!. This Government is not up to the job and this liberal attitude is risking lives daily, the rest of the world laughs at the UK now. The easy solution...dont release them and send tehir families out to join them...

KG, Eastbourne, Sussex

If the Brits want their terrorists back, many of us would be only too happy to oblige them. If the Brits want to pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan, many of us would be only too happy to see the last of them. Go home. We're sick of your whining and criticism. War in 120 degree desert heat is no cake-walk. Personally I've become inured to the daily onslaught of anti-U.S. vitriol pulished in our own major newspapers. The European Union deserves it's pitiful self. As a proud American i'd rather our country be feared then loved. Any day.

Laura Wesselmann, Carlsbad, California, U.S.A.

Let's see the evidence. And why, if they have all this, haven't the US charged them? The US may eb right and tehse men may pose a danger, but, not surprisingly, I don;t really believe much of what comes from teh Bush administration.

Stuart Murray, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Unfortunately the US has held British citizens, that's a whole different league to these guys, and they have been released from Guantanamo after years of incarceration with no charges, no apology, and seemingly no evidence before.

The whole problem is the very fact that they have been to Guantanamo which has little or no legal or humanitarian credibility anymore.

It may very well be true that these men are dangerous and we need to be protected from them, but yet again the whole Gitmo concept hampers anti-terrorism efforts because the men have not been charged in a court of law, and as such cannot be seen to be proven guilty with any degree of impartiality or burden of proof.

Guantanamo means that it is more difficult to justify protection from what could possibly be, a group of dangerous criminals.

Chris, Lancs, UK

Can someone explain ? Why would we want them back ? They're all foriegn nationals with "rights of residency" - surely it's the responsibility of their home countries to lobby for their relaease and take them back to their home country? It would be interesting to know if any of their national governments are lobbying for their release - I suspect not. Wise up Britain? Am I missing the point ?

elljay, East Yorkshire,

We need to be very clear- Mr Brown's priority is to pander to the Guardianistas, and to minorities who have significant voting power. The safety of British people is apparently nowhere on the agenda. If this is what Mr Brown gets up to this side of an election, one can only imagine what loony left nonsense he will get up to once he is safely in power for 5 years. We ain't seen anything yet!

Doug, Glasgow,

If these guys are so inocent why are the home countries of these men not screaming loader to get them released?

Jim G, Knoxville TN, USA

The comments from the US citizens are mostly from the liberal fringe that don't believe in anything except welfare and drugs. They hate Bush and anything he does is wrong. Keep the thugs in Gitmo and when Algores ice melts Cuba will be under water. May the gods help the poor english citizen who can only pay taxes since the Blair house has taken away their only defense against crime and politicians.

Sheldon Harris, Maryville, TN

The British government seems to be totally detached from reality expecting the Foreign office , home office and the MI5 numbies to handle this properly, leave the prisoners where the are, out of harms way and at someone else's expense. The Americans know what they are doing.

Dave Madley, Alicante, Spain

Our enemies resort to unrestricted warfare has confused some. The detainees at Gitmo are not criminals. They are enemy combatants captured in battle. They don't qualify for full Geneva accords POW because they chose not to wear uniforms for a nation but to hide among and target civilians. They are only entitled to humane treatment. Captured combatants aren't given lawyers, presumed "innocent" or given resort to courts. They are detained until the enemy is defeated and then returned. This war may go on for a long time. Some detainees may remain in custody for life. Our captured combatants don't have that luxury. Of those already released, some have already returned to combat. I don't believe a country of residence has a right to request their release. Let their countries of citizenship request them and guarantee they will not return to kill us infidels. I doubt Jordan will be doing so for the one fellow. US/UK citizens captured at home should be tried to determine combatant status.

John, Seattle, USA

They're not British, and had only temporary residency, although one of them has been out of this country for 15 years! This government is inviting terrorists to become British citizens, and when they bomb us, will Gordon Brown offer a lame apology? This will just encourage more Brits to become ex-pats, and I can honestly say I don't blame them, because this country is completely unrecognisable from the Britain that we had in 1997 BEFORE Nu Labour came into government. It's now become open door to all and sundry, while our rights as taxpayers and contributors to this country have been eroded. Enough is enough. I'm off for a better life in Oz.

Ray, London, UK

The former detainees released so far in UK, have they even hurt anyone till now let alone kill? They had more serious allegations on them than these men. We have to be realistic, they do not seem to be a threat. We should have the detained men to comment here also. If we claim to do justice.

David Smith, London, UK

This is England it dosn't matter,we love to bring in criminals and terrorists,no matter how much destruction they may bring on us,the only criminals in my eyes are the lawyers who bring themselfs to defend these vile people,let them defend them for no money and see how many of them care!

dave, march, uk

Well, maybe yes and maybe not. The trouble is that the US government and all its subdivisions have lost all credibility. As a US citizen, I have no hesitation in stating that I find it nearly impossible to believe anything that they claim. Is in any different in the UK?

William Bauer, New York, NY

Why should we take the risk? What were they doing in places where they were found and apprehended? Too many questions come to mind. They are not UK citizens and should therfore go back to their contry of origin. In accepting these people back in the UK would certaily damage the Governments policy on immigration

Said Marakwa, London, UK

I like the north pole idea

Greg, Harbin, China

If any of the Gautanamo individuals is, in the future, found to be involved any terrorist activity, all those who sponsored their return to the UK must be held jointly liable, including Gordon Brown. The organization "Liberty" has done more to infiltrate potential terrorist sleepers into the UK than Al Quada itself. The "LIberty" leadership must also be held personally liable for any future attrocity that may be associated with any individual that they have helped release into the UK.

peterj, Aberdeen, Scotland

I agree totally with Voland. If there is evidence against the men then convict them. God help England indeed if there are many more with L Hall's opinion around. Keep to the point L.

Paul Lee, Cork, Ireland

If Brown is so keen of having them - I suggest they lodge at 10 Downing Street where there is already 24 hour security. There are too many terrorists in this country living off the fat of the land ,taking our hospitality then stabbing us if the back - they are laughing at us. Don't start moaning when they have the upper hand here completely. We are much too tolerant.

,

philly , Plymouth,

The rest of the world must think that the new British Government has finally taken complete leave of its senses; this is politcal correctness taken to a new level of craziness to satisfy the "all welcome here" fanatics.

Richard James, London, Great Britain

Judging by how well current "control orders" are enforced in this country, they will be free to rejoin the global jihad whenever they please. The British taxpayer will, of course, continue to provide for their wives and children so that they can enjoy the benefits of this country while "Dad" conspires to destroy it. Treble hydrogen-peroxides all round!!

Janet, London,

Brown has gone wobbly.

At least thirty released enemy combatants have been permanently pacified while attempting to kill infidels (Brits and US).

Insanity is repeatadly doing the same thing, expecting different results.

Castle, Boca Raton, Florida, USA

We have a high number of Islamic terrorists/suspected terrorists already here. We keep them safe and give them homes and money. We permit them to preach their hatred of us. We do not deport them to answer for their crimes in their own countries so what's another five.
A government with a spine would not allow supected terrorists on our soil but we don't have one what we do have is a bunch of liberal appeasers.

David Thijm, Stourbridge, UK

may God protect us from evil people.we dont know where is the true.

jean.(Ivory coast), abidjan, Ivory coast

Anyone that spent the last five years banged up in Guantanamo could be forgiven for feeling just a little miffed at the United States. Check out the movie "Road to Guantanamo" before passing judgement. If experience is any guide, US intelligence cannot be trusted.

Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Kanagawa

Theres no way that these men should be allowed back to the UK. It beggars belief that our government are putting these mens interests above the innocent citizens of this country. Why? They are not UK nationals, they just used to reside here, using this country as a staging post as a safe sanctuary for them to go from & come back to whilst doing whatever theyve been up to. They were caught in places in the world where our troops were putting their lives at risk in order to protect us. Its not rocket science to work out why these men were in these places. The easy way out for the Americans would be just to release them from Guatanimo but they are saying they are still dangerous. This country will lose track of them if they return here like they have with a number of these peoples brothers who were on control orders. They could go on to kill people in this country or our troops abroad. If they are returned they couldnt even be tried as traitors as theyre not British. We owe them nothing

Lynda Plum, London, england

Almost all you who have posted here need to realise, none of you know a thing, as nor do i.

Nobody knows whether they are sat in jail because they are rightly construed as terrorists, and evil men.

Nobody knows if they are 100% innocent and are there to make up the numbers for Americas Al-Quida tally.

And nobody knows if they are being deliberately released, already instructed to commit an attack, by the US themselves, so that we can go and bomb the hell out of their homelands.

The facts are, all these things could be true and are equally likely, to the best of all our knowledge; the reason for this is that nobody knows the true motives of any action taken by the US or British, and nobody knows what the real meaning behind this alleged 'war on terror' is.

Joe, Manchester, UK

They are not british citizens and we want them? For what? How will they contribute to our society

Tony, Woking,

The Government would be mad to have these people back to this country, they should be returned to the country of birth. and not at the expense of the British taxpayer.

a locker, wirral, merseyside

These people are not British citizens. Why is our government wasting time and money on this issue?

Dave, London, UK

Those detainees were certainly not arrested in Afghanistan because they were on a pick-nick trip. If they were arrested, it's because there is a good reason for it. By arresting innocents, the US has absolutely nothing to gain from it.

Andre Remoe, Sandefjord, Norway

These guys aren't even British citizens. Why on earth would we want them here?

j Harker, London, UK

To re-quote Mandy Rice-Davies, he (Clive Stafford Smith) would say this, wouldn't he? Mr Stafford Smith is their legal representative - he's not interested in discovering the truth about his clients, whatever that might be, as it might prove to be inconvenient.

Andrew Parfitt, london, England

"alleged"? Sorry, "alleged" is not enough.

This is an easy question with an easy answer. Let the US disclose all the evidence they have against these people; if it's sufficient to try them in the UK, then try them, and if sufficient to convict, then convict. If not, then, the last time I looked in our country, we're innocent till proven guilty. Innuendo and rumour, unlike in America, is insufficient to lock up unconvicted, uncharged people for years without trial.

Voland, Caen, France

Hey dont worry, send them back, Our dear Emperor Brown and his cronies have a lovely policy going at the moment, let every Tom Dick & Harry from all walks of life live in England, he will even give them a house along with a car to get them to work, it will be thier human rights, and if they do not find a job then our benefits system will let them live rent free in the house and give them enough money to runn thier car, if they cannot insure it dont worry, their are not so many police patroling the roads anymore only speed cameras, if you do get stopped play stupid and the fine will only be a 10th of the amount to insure the car so you saved a hell of a lot of money, if you dont have a driving licence just say you have driven ex number of years back home to the police, they have no way of checking, if you can get more mebers of the family into the country Emperor Brown will give you even more money.
God help England!

L.Hall, kettering, England

Perhaps the Iraqi interpreters serving the Crown in Basra should try this route to the UK; it seems to be more reliable.

David Masu, Zürich,

Theres no way that these men should be allowed back to the UK. It beggars belief that our government are putting these mens interests above the innocent citizens of this country. Why? They are not UK nationals, they just used to reside here, using this country as a staging post as a safe sanctuary for them to go from & come back to whilst doing whatever theyve been up to. They were caught in places in the world where our troops were putting their lives at risk in order to protect us. Its not rocket science to work out why these men were in these places. The easy way out for the Americans would be just to release them from Guatanimo but they are saying they are still dangerous. This country will lose track of them if they return here like they have with a number of these peoples brothers who were on control orders. They could go on to kill people in this country or our troops abroad. If they are returned they couldnt even be tried as traitors as theyre not British. We owe them nothing

Lynda Plum, London, england

The campaign to shore up the Asian vote prior to an election, has started in earnest. An amnesty for illegal immigrants is imminent.

steve lloyd, swansea, wales

absolutely, Bill. If there is any foundation to these charges, why haven't the men been found guilty through the normal (and centuries-old) legal processes? Let them come back to the UK and, if necessary, stand trial. When they are found innocent, it will be necessary to bring to justice instead all those men and women here and over the pond who have been complicit in depriving these men of their liberty and dignity.

martin, brighton,

Release them and let then rejoin the pack. They belong in England.

Fabio C, London, UK

Bill is spot on! The US has behaved appallingly from the beginning of this fiasco. The UK should use its own judgment.

Chris Parsons, Graffham, West Sussex

I have paid my taxes and have been lucy to be employed all my life,have never been in trouble with the police,but if i wanted to come and live in say America or Australia i very much doubt i would be accepted.On the other hand this government has welcomed anyone and i mean any one,in fact if you have a criminal record and go under the magic entry of "Political asylum" then those words mean COME ON DOWN
kill,burgal,destroy,we don't mind we will protect you,this is England the country of the free--------what can i say if i complain i'm seen as a racist,like tens of thousands of ordinary uk citizens i despair.

dave, march, uk

Good luck Britain. I only hope you don't find their body parts underneath London's ruins. However, if you do...

Soft socialism is not an option. These guys will kill you. Dead.

John Walton, Winfield, Texas

Why is it that Bill Peter,living far away from the UK and any threat, feels it is fine to sneer at our US allies rather than at the known large number of extremists that our security sources are trying to keep track of (with some success and at our, the taxpayer's considerable expense). These people seem to have quite a lot of questions to answer about how and why they were found in the places they were, despite their being given residence in Britain - no doubt on 'compassionate' grounds and the naive expectation that they would not therefore show hotsility to their host country.

kay, Leeds,

It is outrageous that the foreign office wants to bring non britishers back to the uk. It is so bizarre that it smacks of muslim appeasement. Should not the foreign office be protecting british people from extremists. Are we the only country who wants suspected terrorists returned to a country which is not their own. Apert from the risks; why are we actually calling for their return? and who will foot the bill? we will - naturally

howard, london,

Give all these terrorist's free trip to North Pole and leave them there.
One solution only?

simon gill, nottingham, england

They are not British citizens, this government is just using it as an excuse to supposedly act tough with America. Leave them where they are, this country as enough terroist living amongst us.

gil bolton, ashton, u.k

If Gordon Brown want foriegn terrorists back in the UK, they should live with him!

When will this government learn the vast silent majority are fed up with supporting the people who repeatdly have tried to kill us!

PhillipWG, Liverpool,

If USA had this concrete evidence, why did they not charge and try these men in all those years? I tend to agree with the men's lawyers on this. Its another smear campaign against what appears evidently to be are innocent men. I recall, Moazzem Beg too was labled as a dangerous terrorist. How many attacks has he carried out against the UK?

We must not forget there are also innocent young children and eighty year old men being held there too.

Well done to Gordon Brown and a pragmatic David Milliband.

This one overdue and simple act will do more to restore goodwill towards the British government amongst Muslims than any countless misguided initiatives it has taken so far. We need more of these gestures to make us all safe. Our policy and future is not tied in to the Americans.

Brittain should have our own independent foreign policy. I hope this is the start of this.

A Citizen, LEeds,

Am I missing something here? These people are not British citizens, all of them are understood have had links with Al Qaeda or other Islamist groups. It is easy enough to revoke their leave to remain here, as they are out of the country and can't shield behind the Human Rights Act. Why on earth should we even be comtemplating letting them back into the UK, to play act and mouse with he security services and abscond from some ineffective Control Order? Let them take their chances in Saudi Arabia/Libya or wherever, and face the consequences of their words/actions.

Richard, Bexhill, UK

Who's is paying for Clive Stafford Smith to represent these non UK citizens - I don't suppose he is doing it for his principles and so for free.

No I strongly suspect yet again the poor UK taxpayer is picking up the bill while our own Alzheimer sufferers can' get the medicines they need.

Steven, Chalfont, Bucks

Don't worry the next in line after Tony Blair will carry on in his footsteps.
All are welcome, Terorists, Fanatical Hate preachers.
Come to England nobody else will have you but we will.
Well done Gordon Brown Keep up the good work.

John Ryan, Oldbury, UK

I vote that if these 5 people are involved in any other terrorist acts, the members of the british government, who are demanding their release, should be held accountable.

clive lowe, stockport, uk

Why oh why does this country bend over backwards to be fair and just when time after time we end up getting spat upon. If we take these men back then I am afraid we will live to regret it. We have for too long left our doors open for some of the dregs of society to walk through. Why should we take these men back, and probably end up supporting them on social payouts, when our soldiers are getting murdered by their collragues in Iraq and Afghanistan. Isn't it time to wake up and smell the coffee.

Dave M, Caerphilly,

Don't listen to the facts. Their lawyers will tell you blatant lies. Down the road it will be "we told you so " , but by then innocent people will be dead and injured.

Larry, N.Y., U.S.A.

Gordon Brown: The Jihadists' best friend -- pulling his troops out of Iraq and attempting to rescue villains from safekeeping in Git mo. Britain has turned: They are not on the side of right or the US any longer. What has happened: The Muslim/Dhimmi coalition rules England.

gunjam, Texax, USA

Make them live in thier lawyers houses on thier release. Sending them back to thier country of origin for interogation would be a better solution.

SPM, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

For me, one of the worst indictments of the Bush administration's foreign policy is that such claims are now pointless. We know in advance that they are going to be made, and when they come we simply shrug. We have no way of assessing the reliability of US-provided intelligence, other than counting the number of false assertions and allegations they have made in the past.

Intelligence is the single most vital tool in any attempt to bring a terrorist campaign to an end, and the Bush administration has, time and again, wilfully acted to deprive us of the use of this tool.

Ian Kemmish, Biggleswade, UK

Persons not in uniform captured on the field of battle while shooting at US forces are not suspected anythings -- they are terrorists. How is it that you want these people anyway? Don't you have enough terror problems already?

robert, New York, USA

If Gordon Brown thinks it's safe for these chaps to come back to Britain and that they won't harm our communities, that's fine with me. So long as they live in spare rooms in his house. They can keep his wife and kid company during the day, which will be nice.

Michael, Brighton, England

This is the thing that casts the British as morons in the eyes of Americans. Let's assume for a moment that the allegations against the five are true - given the fact that none of them is an actual citizen of Britain and possesses only rights of residency, it is the height of insanity to allow them again to reach British soil. Apparently, however, the July subway bombings failed to make enough of an impression on Mr. Brown.

Now, assuming the allegations are unsubstantiated, it would seem Britain would have the foresight to undertake a complete review of the case before requesting repatriation. Given that the British government is considering some form of surveillance on these men, it's clear they are not presumed innocent of all charges. Thus, again, the folly of seeking their return at all.

Last, if there were truly no reason to hold these men, they wouldn't be sitting right now in Guantanamo, would they?

Sense would dictate the stripping of these men of their British residency.

J. Benjamin, New York, New York

To quote Mandy Rice-Davis, "they (the US) would, wouldn't they".

Bill Peter, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia