I read with interest your piece on Guantanamo Bay detainee Shaker Aamer in last week's Wandsworth Guardian.

While clearly a breach of an individual's human rights, being held for more than a decade without trial or charge, the tale also puts the spotlight on the "special relationship" between ourselves and the United States.

When the term was coined I doubt anyone envisaged the grovelling, snivelling role the UK was destined to play in this so-called relationship.

Since September 9, 2001, Great Britain has been unhesitatingly quick to support the US in whatever foreign policy it rolled out, firstly in Iraq and then in Afghanistan.

We have courted international animosity as a result and have even been targeted ourselves, such as 7/7.

Yet, when we need a favour returned or even want to discuss the possibility of a favour, our "special relationship" seems to resemble nothing more than an arrogant master and his humble servant.

So far, the best America can apparently do is to force the transfer of Mr Aamer to Saudi Arabia.

This really highlights how far we have fallen in America's eyes.

From loyal war partner in 2002 to a state in 2013 that cannot be trusted with a released prisoner, despite our excellent rack record when it comes to dealing with alleged terrorists.

Our politicians have been calling for the closure of Guantanamo Bay and even Barack Obama himself has been quoted saying it needs to be shut down.

While Mr Obama has freely admitted that he fears the continuing operation of the detention centre is damaging the US's reputation, he says he is hamstrung by Congress who have blocked every attempt at closing the prison.

But time is running out for Mr Aamer, who after ten years must be riddled with health problems.

Terence Farquharson
West Putney