A BRIDPORT lawyer has spoken out after campaigning for the last British resident being held in Guantanamo Bay to be granted permission to be returned to the UK.

Clive Stafford-Smith, director of non-profit organisation Reprieve, said it was 'fantastic news' after a 14-year campaign to release Shaker Aamer from the United States military prison was given the green light last week - but said more work is still to be done.

Speaking to the Bridport News, he said: "Even though the notice has been given, there is not yet a guarantee if and when he will be released.

"It certainly is important to keep up the pressure on the United States government and ensure that he is released. Nevertheless, it is fantastic news for Shaker and I'm really pleased."

Shaker Aamer has been held at the military prison since 2002, but has never been on trial or charged with any offence. The 46-year-old is a Saudi national, and is a UK resident as his wife is British.

"This has been a battle for more than ten years personally for me and 14 years for Shaker," added Mr Stafford-Smith. "It's a very pleasing outcome, despite coming about 13 years too late.

"He hasn't seen his wife in 14 years and he has never met his youngest son, who was born on the day he was sent to Guantanamo Bay.

"I can't even image what it must be like for him."

The lawyer said Guantanamo Bay is being used as a 'political football' in the United States and he will be keeping up the pressure to ensure that Shaker Aamer is released as soon as possible.

By law, the United States Congress can review the transfer of an inmate within a 30-day window.

It is thought Shaker and his family will have to wait until October 25 at the earliest for their reunion.

Mr Stafford-Smith said: "Unfortunately in the United States, the Republicans have made the issue of whether the camp should close a political football.

"I think it is encouraging that people like David Cameron have come out and said it should close, but there is still plenty of work to be done."