A Secret History of Torture

Praise

“In one of the most shocking and persuasive books of the year, Ian Cobain details not just British complicity in torture—we know about that—but the longstanding practice of the thing itself, and the lies British politicians have always told, and are still telling, to cover it up.”—Sir David Hare

“A deeply disturbing book which implicates both the British Government and the Security Services in rendition and complicity in torture. It is like rolling a hand grenade into the heart of the Establishment.”—Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Mercer, Human Rights Lawyer of the Year

“It is clear from this superb book that those who got us involved in torture in recent years hadn’t learned from our previous visits to the dark side. This fascinating, horrible story of seventy years of British cruelty should be read by politicians and the public alike.”—Clive Stafford Smith, Director, Reprieve

“I found Cruel Britannia utterly gripping. Ian Cobain’s writing has poise and measure, allowing space for these horrific truths to seep in, under the skin. I will not forget what I have learnt from this book, and I will be telling others about it for years to come.”—PJ Harvey