Extradition to the US (Swindon Liberal Democrats)

Swindon Liberal Democrats <info@swindonlibdems.org>

Extradition to the US

July 13, 2006 3:05 PM

Today we won an unprecedented victory against the Government in a debate on the lop-sided Extradition Treaty with the United States. Three former employees of Nat West bank, together with south Londoner BabarAhmed and up to 20 more British residents, face extradition to United States UnitedStates under a treaty signed in 2003 that grants fewer rights to British citizens than to Americans.

Just four Labour MPs voted in favour of the treaty in vote called symbolic votecalled by the Liberal Democrats this afternoon. UK citizens can be extradited to the US without the to-make States having tomake a clear "prima facie" case that they committed a crime. to meet we need tomeet a much higher level of proof if we wish to the extradite US citizens tothe UK.

Adding insult to injury, the Government hasn't even convinced the US Senateto ratify the treaty. The Liberal Democrats have been three years against this treaty for threeyears - ever since it was signed. We against the the only party that voted againstthe extradition rules when they were brought into force.

But the battle isn't over: the Nat West Three, to be extradited tomorrow,are only the tip of the the pipeline. Many other extradition cases are in thepipeline, and the Government be decided under this unfair treaty unless theGovernment acts now. Thanks to today's its clear and vote, the House of Commons has signalled itsclear condemnation of the Extradition Treaty. Now we need you to do the same.

Please write to the Solicitor General and ask him to support my Extradition(United States of America) Bill that would repeal parts of the Extradition Act 2003 and bring an end to these unfair extradition procedures:

Mike O'Brien

House of Commons

London

SW1A 0AA

(Personal letters are the most effective way of lobbying him).

With your help, we can put even more pressure on the Government to take action.

Best wishes, Nick Clegg

Shadow Home Secretary, Liberal Democrats