SUGGESTIONS that Guantanamo Bay’s last British inmate Shaker Aamer may be released within weeks were given a cautious welcome yesterday by supporters and MPs.

Mr Aamer has been detained in the US prison camp without charge or trial for almost 14 years.

During his incarceration, he has suffered appalling abuse and grave fears have been expressed for his physical and mental well-being.

Mr Aamer’s lawyer Clive Stafford Smith has now been told that his client could be freed as early as next month. He warned, however, that such promises had been reneged on in the past.

The reports of Mr Aamer’s potentially imminent release follow the return of a cross-party delegation of four MPs who travelled to the US to raise his plight and press for his immediate return to Britain.

Jeremy Corbyn, Andy Slaughter, David Davis and Andrew Mitchell held meetings with senior US senators and key members of the US administration on the issue. These included Republican Senator John McCain as well as Democratic senators. Mr Corbyn told the Star: “Our visit was to impress on the US that there has been a unanimous decision in Parliament demanding his release. We got an agreement with all the senators we met that they would raise the issue.”

Asked how optimistic he was that Mr Aamer would now be released, he said: “I would be totally delighted if Shaker was released next month. He has twice been cleared for release and never been charged with any offence.

“He is a British resident who has been disgustingly treated and I believe the delay in his release is because he has seen and knows too much.”

Mr Corbyn paid tribute to the Save Shaker Aamer Campaign, saying: “Without their years of tireless campaigning, we wouldn’t be where we are.”

Joy Hurcombe of the campaign said: “There is a narrow window of opportunity here. Now is the time for us to redouble our efforts and show even more determination.”