I'm sure they've had a lovely time, but it won't help Shaker

The Camerons and the Obamas have bonded on their away-day together in Ohio, enjoyed watching the basket ball and dined among the glitter of the US at their state dinner.

But meanwhile British resident Shaker Aamer is still locked away in solitary confinement in his steel cell in Guantanamo as he has been for more than 10 years.

I wonder if President Obama has talked about Guantanamo? He might have sought British support for the proposed release of five high-value Afghan prisoners as requested by the Taliban as a goodwill gesture ahead of peace negotiations in Qatar.

Did he tell Cameron that Hamid Karzai's government officials visited Guantanamo last week and promised the five they would be reunited with their families and not transferred as hostages?

Cameron could have used this unique opportunity to demand the release of Shaker Aamer and his return to his family as a matter of urgency. Shaker's health is declining in appalling prison conditions, he's not considered a high-value prisoner and he's been cleared for release for over five years.

Could Cameron have called in the special relationship as a lever for Shaker's return? Otherwise what exactly is the point of it?

Joy Hurcombe
Worthing