Detainee's father in election bid

Azmat Begg may stand for the Peace and Progress Party

The father of a Birmingham man who was detained by the US in Cuba for three years without charge is considering standing as a Parliamentary candidate.

Azmat Begg, whose son Moazzam was held as a terror suspect, says he may stand on a human rights platform.

He has until the close of nominations in 10 days to decide whether to try to represent the Peace and Progress Party in the West Midlands.

Mr Begg helped form it with actors and campaigners Corin and Vanessa Redgrave.

If he decides to stand, he will contest the seat for Birmingham Hodge Hill, which Labour held in a by-election last year.

The candidates currently are: Denis Adams (British National Party), Liam Byrne (Labour), Nicola Davies (Liberal Democrat), Adrian Duffen (UK Independence Party), and Deborah Thomas (Conservative).

The Peace and Progress Party, which was launched last November, wants UK troops withdrawn from Iraq and all Third World debt cancelled.

Moazzam Begg was released by UK police a day after returning from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in January.