A Westminster campaign to secure the release of Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Deghayes has won the support of 80 MPs.

But hundreds more are needed before the Government is forced to debate the matter in the Commons.

The 35-year-old, who grew up in Saltdean, has been detained without charge at Camp Delta in Cuba since he was arrested in Pakistan three years ago.

Brighton MP Des Turner's motion urged ministers to lobby the United States for Mr Deghayes' release unless charges are brought against him.

The Government has refused to help the former law student because he is a refugee rather than a UK citizen.

But Tony Blair told the Commons he had always been opposed to Guantanamo Bay.

He said: "There are under half the numbers there that there were some time ago but that is an anomaly that should be brought to an end."

Dr Turner's motion asks the Government to condemn the "inhumane" treatment of Guantanamo Bay detainees and lobby the US Administration for the release or charge of Mr Deghayes.

But motions are not usually debated unless they gain the support of half of the Commons.