Labour rebels vow to defeat Government on extradition changes

The Police and Justice Bill returns to the House of Commons on Tuesday 24th October, which contains serious changes to UK extradition law. Under the Government's proposals, countries such as the US would not have to provide UK courts with evidence against a person before they are extradited. There are two amendments to the Bill which would reverse that.

The Government has been defeated in the Lords and now it is for MPs to decide whether UK citizens can be extradited abroad without any evidence being shown to a UK court.

John McDonnell MP, challenger for the Labour leadership, said:

"There is mounting opposition on the backbenches to this attack on our essential civil liberties. It is extraordinary that the Government is prepared to enshrine in law the extradition abroad of UK citizens without any shred of evidence first being presented to our courts.

"The coalition against these proposals is so broad that the Government looks completely isolated. Civil liberties groups, experienced extradition lawyers and even the CBI and other business groups are supporting the amendments.

"The Lords have thrown these changes out, and on Tuesday there is every chance that the Government will be forced to back down."