Thaindian News

London, Nov.11 (ANI): Prime Minister David Cameron has challenged former US President George Bush’s claim that the use of water-boarding saved British lives.

In his book Decision Point, published this week, Bush said the use of the technique - a kind of simulated drowning - on terror suspects “helped break up plots” to attack Heathrow and Canary Wharf.

The British Government has long regarded it as a form of torture.

Asked whether US use of water-boarding had prevented attacks in the UK, the Daily Star quoted Cameron, assaying: “Look, I think torture is wrong and I think we ought to be very clear about that. And I think we should also be clear that if actually you’re getting information from torture, it’s very likely to be unreliable information.”

He further suggested that the use of torture - and the incarceration of suspects in Guantanamo Bay without trial - could be counter-productive, by encouraging support for terrorists.

Speaking during a round of broadcast interviews in Seoul, Cameron said: “I think there is both a moral reason for being opposed to torture - and Britain doesn’t sanction torture - but secondly I think there’s also an effectiveness thing about what he said.

“Thirdly, I would say if you look at the effect of Guantanamo Bay and other things like that, long-term that has actually helped to radicalise people and make our country and our world less safe, so I don’t agree.” (ANI)