Is the UK extradition system working? Lords launch inquiry
Is the UK's extradition law too complex? Is it fit for purpose in today's world? Are the UK's extradition arrangements with the US balanced? Has the European Arrest Warrant improved extradition arrangements between EU Member States? Does the UK's extradition law provide just outcomes?
These are some of the questions that the House of Lords' Extradition Law Committee will be seeking to answer. Its inquiry will consider the law and practice surrounding extradition, and the Extradition Act 2003 in particular.
Chairman of the Committee, Lord Inglewood, said:
“Extradition is a complex area of law, often involving very emotive cases. It has significant effects on those being extradited for trial but is essential if justice is to be served when crimes have been committed in other countries.
“Our Committee has the remit to look widely at all issues involving extradition. Does the system deliver justice? Does it protect suspects who ought to be considered innocent until proven guilty? Are our arrangements with the US fair? Do our arrangements with the EU work properly? In an era of increasing cross-border crime, is our extradition law and practice fit for purpose?
"The Committee has already heard from Sir Scott Baker QC (who led a major independent review into the UK's extradition arrangements), the Immigration and Security Minister, James Brokenshire MP, advocacy groups and US lawyers.
"Today we publish our call for evidence and we look forward to hearing different views on the topic. I would encourage anyone with expertise or an interest in extradition to submit evidence to our inquiry.”
The deadline for submitting written evidence is Friday 12 September 2014.
Lord Inglewood, Chairman of the Committee, has recorded a YouTube video setting out some of the areas on which the Committee is inviting evidence, and how to submit your views.
