Celebrities to go on 'hunger strike' in support of last British Guantanamo Bay prisoner

Celebrities and politicians have pledged to take part in a "hunger strike" to keep up pressure for the release of the last British prisoner held at Guantanamo Bay.

Government officials announced the release of Shaker Aamer in September, who has been held for 13 years without charge.

He has previously said he fears he may die in captivity before he can be freed.

Mr Aamer has not yet been released since US Congress require 30 days notice, but concerns have been raised over the health of the 46-year-old who is said to be on hunger strike.

Supporters have launched the Fast For Shaker campaign to show solidarity with Mr Aamer by not eating for 24 hours.

Among those taking part are actors Mark Rylance and Maxine Peake, MPs David Davis and Andy Slaughter and the prisoner's lawyer Clive Stafford Smith.

"Thank you all so much for taking part in this fasting. We are touched. Our family we will be joining in the fasts with all of you. Let's all bring Shaker home," Mr Aamer's family said. They are also planning to join take part in the campaign.

The initiative is due to start on Thursday, continuing until Mr Aamer is released. Participants will choose which day to fast on.

Mr Aamer, who has a wife and four children living in Battersea, south London, has said he was originally seized by bounty hunters while working as a charity worker in Afghanistan in 2001 shortly after the 9/11 attacks.

He was handed over to US forces and in February 2002 he was transferred to Guantanamo Bay and accused of aiding terrorists.

His lawyers say he has been subjected to torture, beatings and sleep deprivation during that time.

A US defence official said the decision to return him to the UK had been approved following a "thorough review" of his case and "robust security assurances" from the British Government.

Read more: Lawyer gives ITV News first-hand account on health of Shaker Aamer