Shaker Aamer released from Guantanamo Bay after 13 years

The last British detainee held at Guantanamo Bay has been released, the government has confirmed.

Shaker Aamer, 46, is currently flying back to the UK after spending 13 years in detention at the US military prison in Cuba.

Andy Worthington, co-director of the We Stand With Shaker campaign, said: "We're delighted to hear that his long and unacceptable ordeal has come to an end.

"We hope he won't be detained by the British authorities on his return and gets the psychological and medical care that he needs to be able to resume his life with his family in London.

Human rights charity Reprieve wrote on Twitter: "Looks like a plane has left Guantanamo Bay, bound for London."

Mr Aamer, whose family live in Batterseam,has said he was originally seized by bounty hunters while working as a charity worker in Afghanistan in 2001 shortly after the 9/11 attacks.

He was handed over to US forces and in February 2002 he was transferred to Guantanamo Bay and accused of aiding al Qaida.

During his time in captivity, his lawyers said he was subjected to torture, with beatings and sleep deprivation, and held in solitary confinement for 360 days. In 2005, he lost half his body weight during a hunger strike.

His family, MPs and actors Mark Rylance and Maxine Peake have also taken part in a 24-hour fast to show their support. Mr Aamer said he cried when he read about the protests.

Human rights charity Reprieve wrote on Twitter before the government confirmed Mr Aamer’s release: "Looks like a plane has left Guantanamo Bay, bound for London."

And former Guantanamo prisoner Moazzam Begg tweeted: “Shaker Aamer will finally be returned today, after 14yrs without charge at Gtmo. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who fought for him. الله اكبر”.