PM 'delighted' by teacher's release - News in brief - Evening Standard
       

PM 'delighted' by teacher's release

Gordon Brown said that "common sense" had prevailed on hearing that Gillian Gibbons was to be released.

The Prime Minister said in a statement: "I was delighted and relieved to hear the news that Gillian Gibbons is to be freed.

"Common sense has prevailed. She will be released into the care of our embassy in Khartoum after what must have been a difficult ordeal."

He continued: "Through the course of Ms Gibbons' detention I was glad to see Muslim groups across the UK express strong support for her case.

"I applaud the particular efforts of Lord Ahmed and Baroness Warsi in securing her freedom. I am also grateful to our officials for all their work behind the scenes."

In Liverpool, Mrs Gibbons' former teaching colleagues said they were thrilled by her release.

Rick Widdowson, headteacher of Garston Primary School, where she spent 12 years, said: "Everyone is very relieved and very pleased.

"We feel it should never have come to this but it's a good ending.

"One or two of the staff see Gill socially and I am sure they will be meeting up to celebrate with her."

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