Two world leaders and the tricky question of torture

Today the Queen hosts the United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed al-Nahyan for what is likely to be an uncomfortable lunch at Windsor Castle.

Expect a few awkward silences in between courses as speculation mounts over the growing torture allegations by three Britons imprisoned in Dubai.

Grant Cameron and Suneet Jeerh, both 25, and Karl Williams, 26, were jailed on Monday for four years on charges of drug possession.

But all three claim they suffered horrific injuries shortly after their arrest – at the hands of police who tortured them into making confessions. In one case – that of Grant Williams – his family claims he was strapped to a bed, blindfolded with a gun to his head, and subjected to electric shocks on his genitals.

Torture claims

It is not the first time that allegations of torture have been made against the authorities in the UAE.

The visit is supposed to cement the ties of two nations that share annual biltateral trade of more than £10bn.

Today the family of Lee Brown, the 39-year-old British tourist who died in custody in a Dubai police station two years ago, called on the British government to “start taking responsibility for what is happening to its people inside the UAE”.

All of this is an embarrassing distraction to the main purpose of the visit which is supposed to cement the ties of two nations that share annual bilateral trade of more than £10bn.

Presidential options

So what happens now? The prime minister is expected to raise the plight of the three Britons when he meets President Sheikh Khalifa in Downing Street tomorrow.

The president has options. He could grant the independent investigation that Mr Cameron is pushing for. He could even pardon all three men, which might pave the way for a release after Ramadan. Or he could just meet the matter with stonewall silence and insist it is business matters only.

The UAE recognises a need to counteract the barrage of suspicion that could have far-reching effects on its reputation and tourism.

For his part David Cameron is keen to get this unsavoury issue dealt with.

A Number 10 spokesman insists there are no “no-go areas” at tomorrow’s discussions, and that Britain is seeking a “full, impartial and independent investigation” into the torture allegations.

The UAE is usually tight-lipped about its human rights record. But it recognises a need to counteract the barrage of suspicion that could have far-reaching effects on its reputation and tourism. Yesterday its government posted a rare rebuttal disputing a US State Department report that was scathing of its human rights record.

But tomorrow is another test. Both leaders would far rather focus on their countries shared strategic interests and the business ties that bind. But unless these human rights issues are addressed, many will start to wonder why there are ties at all.