§ Mr. StinchcombeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people accused of capital crimes have been extradited to the USA since 11 May 1997; and under what arrangements. [11402]
§ Mr. Bob AinsworthThe availability of the death penalty has been an issue in only one of 34 surrenders to the United States since 1997. In that case, the fugitive was surrendered following an assurance from the United States authorities that the death penalty would neither be sought nor applied. That is consistent with the UK/US Extradition Treaty (United States of America (Extradition) Order 1976 as amended by the United States of America (Extradition) (Amendment) Order 1986) which provides that extradition may be refused unless the requesting party gives satisfactory assurances that the death penalty will not be carried out.