Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what standards of prison (a) conditions and (b) accommodation must be met by a country applying under the European Arrest Warrant system for a UK resident to be extradited, before a UK court will agree to such an application; and if she will make a statement.

A decision whether to order surrender under a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) is made by a UK judge who considers all relevant legal issues, including whether the conduct would amount to a criminal offence in the UK, applicable bars to extradition such as double jeopardy, politically motivated requests and whether the case against the accused is sufficiently advanced. The requesting State must meet human rights standards, which includes adequate living conditions for the accused. If there is doubt, the UK seeks assurances and ultimately the judge may refuse the EAW if not satisfied these standards will be met.