Blair's pledge to Cuba detainees

There are nearly 700 detainees at the camp

Tony Blair has pledged to try to seek a quick resolution for the nine Britons held as suspected terrorists by the US.

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy said the cases should be raised when George W Bush visits the UK next week.

Mr Kennedy told MPs the Britons were being held in "legal limbo" by the US at the Guantanamo Bay camp in Cuba.

Mr Blair said he hoped either a "proper trial" would be held soon or the detainees would be returned to the UK.

High hopes

Mr Kennedy raised the issue during prime minister's question time and pressed Mr Blair about his next move.

"Presumably you will be raising with President Bush the continuing indefensible situation as regards the British citizens held in a legal limbo in Camp Delta?" he said.

It's important that as well as making sure people get a fair trial that we do protect the security of this country Tony Blair

Mr Blair said the subject had featured in discussions between the British and US governments for several months.

"I hope we can resolve it quickly. It's important to try and make sure that it's either resolved on the basis of a proper trial being held in respect of these people, any of whom can be charged, and if that cannot be found, it's important they are returned," he said.

"I don't want to say any more about it at this stage other than we're obviously trying to resolve it. It is important that we do.

"I do hope the House and the country also takes some account of the fact that this situation, which I agree is exceptional, arose out of the situation in Afghanistan, and a conflict in which British troops were involved.

"It's important that as well as making sure people get a fair trial that we do protect the security of this country," Mr Blair added.