Former hostage Terry Waite CBE has sent a message of support for the last British man to be held in Guantanamo.

Shaker Aamer - a father-of-four from Battersea - has been held captive by the US since his capture in 2001. Despite never being charged with any offence he remains in jail.

In 1987, Mr Waite, a humanitarian and author, travelled to Lebanon as an envoy for the Church of England, to try and secure the release of four hostages.

But he was kidnapped himself and held captive until 1991.

In a letter Mr Waite said: “I am writing this brief note in support of the British Resident Shaker Aamer who was cleared for release in 2007 by the former President of the USA George W Bush but continues to remain in detention in Guantanamo Bay.

“I know very little about his case but as I write these few words the remarks of the father of a former Guantanamo detainee are reverberating in my mind. He said that if there was a case against his son he ought to be brought before a properly constituted court of law, receive a fair trail and if found guilty then be subject to the law.

“If this could not be followed then his son ought to be released immediately.

“The fact that individuals have been detained for years in Guantanamo Bay and elsewhere, on suspicion, is disgraceful and ought to have no place in the procedures of any country that prides itself on respect for the rule of law.

“I add my voice to the many thousands of people who are profoundly disturbed by the detention of Mr Aamer and others and would urge that he be released forthwith.”