Campbell criticises US extradition rules

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell has accused the government of presiding over a "one-way" extradition process with the US.

Sir Menzies has repeatedly spoken on the subject since the extradition of the 'NatWest three' bankers currently on bail in the US awaiting trial in a case connected to the collapse of Enron.

On Tuesday night an expected Labour rebellion in the Commons failed to appear, as the government defeated amendments to the Police and Justice Bill proposed by the Tories and backed by the Lib Dems.

The amendments would have required the US to submit more evidence to extradite Britons, with judges able to insist trials were heard in Briton.

Those backing the amendments claimed the Anglo-American extradition treaty signed in 2003 was imbalanced because British authorities had to show prima facie evidence of probable cause, while the US had only to show allegations had been made.

Ministers claimed there was "rough parity" between the tests.

Speaking at prime minister's questions in the Commons on Wednesday, Sir Menzies said: "As recently as last night the government assured us that the extradition treaty to the United States would facilitate justice.

"Isn't what we have here a fast-track process, but a fast-track process that only goes one way?"

Tony Blair said Sir Menzies was "stretching reality a bit", but answered only: "We were asked to make sure the US Senate and Congress ratified the treaty and we've made sure that happened."

The two leaders clashed after Sir Menzies had asked whether the attorney general would apply for the extradition of the US soldiers "against whom there is a prima facie case for the unlawful killing in Iraq" of ITN journalist Terry Lloyd.

The prime minister said it would be wrong for him to comment on "anything the attorney general may do", but expressed his "deepest sympathy" to Lloyd's family.

Blair then said it was necessary to acknowledge that US troops were doing a "superb job in very very difficult circumstances".

Sir Menzies said that response would have provided "not much comfort" to the family.