Editorial Bear

Parliament backs fast-track extradition to U.S.
Monday November 6, 09:19 PM

LONDON (Reuters) - The lower house of parliament voted again on Monday to reject a move by the upper house to block fast-track extraditions to the United States.

The House of Lords argues the burden of proof required in a 2003 extradition treaty makes it too easy for U.S. authorities to demand that British citizens face trial in America. Their bid follows a row over the extradition of three former NatWest bankers to the United States to answer fraud charges relating to the collapse of energy company Enron.

Under the treaty, the United States can demand a Briton's extradition without having to show there is a case to answer based on available evidence, but Britain must provide evidence of "probable cause" in a U.S. court in order to extradite U.S. citizens to Britain.

What the hell is this?

The Natwest Three was bad enough. Three men facing NO criminal charges in this country were extradited to America to face charges there. That shouldn't happen. But the law Blair is trying to pass makes the process even easier.

But what's really wrong is that there's no reciprocity. We allow America to extradite suspected criminals without any burden of proof - yet we Brits are still required to prove our point in court.

Excuse my language, but this is bullshit.

I've never been the biggest fan of Tony Blair, but I was always under the (apparently mistaken) belief that he had testicles. But this proves that he's totally under the thumb of the American administration.

Not that there's anything wrong with the American administration. But when we allow them freedoms in our country that aren't reciprocated there, something is deeply wrong with the 'special relationship' between America and Britain.

We are still a sovereign nation. It's about time we acted like one. America is the most important ally we have. Let's at least try to maintain our dignity in our relations with her.