Amnesty International said:

'We are saddened that David Blunkett is reportedly considering resigning from Amnesty International. We hope he will not conclude that it is incompatible to be Home Secretary and a member of an organisation that champions human rights, fair trials and international standards of justice.

'Many MPs of all parties, including ministers, are currently members of Amnesty International, clearly believing that worldwide human rights and justice are of critical importance.

'We have praised the government when appropriate: for example on the introduction of the Human Rights Act and the abolition of the death penalty, and we look forward to talking to them on the forthcoming domestic violence legislation.

'We also have a very important job to do in holding the government to account when we believe that human rights are under threat.