President Obama Must Deliver Real Change - Teather

10.29.49am GMT Mon 19th Jan 2009

Sarah Teather met Barack Obama to lobby on behalf of her constituents

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather has welcomed the historic inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States and has reminded him of his promise to close Guantánamo Bay.

This week, in front of a crowd of millions, Barack Obama will take his oath of office and become the first black president of America.

Sarah met Barack Obama when he was Senator for Illinois in 2006, when she visited Washington on behalf of her constituent Jamil el-Banna, who was imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay.  She spoke with Obama about US prison camp Guantánamo Bay, and asked him to commit to having the detention centre closed.

Barack Obama has since pledged that one of the first acts of his presidency will be to close the controversial prison. On Inauguration Day, Sarah and the London Guantánamo Campaign will present a petition to the US embassy to remind the new President of this obligation.

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:

"I warmly congratulate President Obama on his inauguration. For people all around the world he represents a new beginning and an end to the catastrophic administration of George Bush.

"America's reputation in the world has been badly damaged over the last eight years. The illegal war in Iraq, denial of climate change and the horrific prison at Guantánamo have left many people feeling angry and disillusioned.

"President Obama must deliver the change that he has promised and restore America to a country that will work with the International community and uphold the rule of law. Shutting down Guantánamo Bay would be a clear signal that meaningful change has begun.

"If there is evidence that those held in Guantanamo have been involved in illegal activities then they should be given a fair trial in a court of law, otherwise they must be set free."